The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the 2027 General Election, bringing forward the presidential and National Assembly polls to January following the enactment of the new Electoral Act, 2026.
In a major electoral adjustment announced on Thursday, the Commission confirmed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The shift follows the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the signing into law of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced changes to statutory timelines guiding pre-election activities and the conduct of polls. INEC had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and state assembly elections for March 6, 2027. However, the Commission said a comprehensive review of the timetable became necessary to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.
Under the revised schedule, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will begin on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026. In line with the law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.
INEC emphasized that political parties must strictly adhere to the new timelines, warning that the Commission will enforce compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission also announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026. It noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all remaining processes would align strictly with the new Electoral Act.
INEC maintained that the revised timetable is consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, reiterating its commitment to delivering peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.
The statement was signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, on February 26, 2026.
The Commission called on political parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, the media, and voters to cooperate fully to ensure that the 2027 elections reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
By Juliet Ezeh, Abuja
