The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its revised timetable and schedule for the 2027 general elections, has fixed January 16 and February 6, 2027, as new dates for the conduct of presidential/national assembly and the governorship/state assembly elections, respectively.
The commission had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the presidential and national assembly elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the governorship and state houses of assembly elections pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022.
However, announcing the new dates in a statement by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, national commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission hinged the decision for the change in the dates on the newly signed Electoral Act.
The electoral umpire further disclosed that while the conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, would commence April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026, the presidential and national assembly campaigns would commence on August 19, 2026.
It also announced that the governorship and state houses of assembly campaigns would commence on September 9, 2026.
“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the commission has reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.
“Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows: presidential and national assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027. Governorship and state houses of assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, February 6, 2027,” the commission disclosed.
While highlighting key milestones in the timetable in accordance with the approved schedule of activities, the Commission noted that the conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, would commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026.
“Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before election day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law.
“The revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election reflecting the adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on the commission’s official website and other official communication platforms,” it noted.
On the update on Osun off-cycle governorship elections, the electoral umpire noted: “In addition, the Osun State governorship election, earlier fixed for Saturday, August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
“The Commission notes that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted. However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” it appealed.
– The Sun