The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major revision of the timetable for the 2027 General Elections, bringing forward the dates for the Presidential, National Assembly, and governorship polls.
The Commission had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, 20th February 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for Saturday, 6th March 2027 under the now-repealed Electoral Act, 2022.
Following the repeal of the 2022 Act and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which adjusted statutory timelines for pre-election activities, INEC realigned the election schedule to comply with the new law.
Under the revised timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, 6th February 2027.
The Commission also outlined key milestones leading up to the elections: party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will run from 23rd April to 30th May 2026; Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will begin on 19th August 2026; and Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will start on 9th September 2026.
INEC stressed that all campaigns must end 24 hours before each election, urging political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines. The Commission assured that it would enforce compliance with the law.
The announcement comes as part of INEC’s efforts to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in line with the Electoral Act, 2026.
