Moses Ofodeme
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
This was contained in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, on 26th February 2026.
The Commission had earlier set Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections, pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022. However, with the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the coming into force of the Electoral Act, 2026, which adjusted statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission reviewed and realigned the schedule.
According to the statement, the review was undertaken “to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework and to align all electoral activities with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.”
Following the adjustment, Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will take place on Saturday, 6th February 2027.
The statement further indicated that the conduct of Party Primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026. Campaigns by political parties for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will begin on 19th August 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will commence on 9th September 2026.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day,” the Commission stated. “Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law.”
INEC disclosed that the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities have been uploaded to its official website and other official communication platforms for public access.
In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026.
The Commission noted that while some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted, “the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.” It affirmed that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
Reiterating that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility, the Commission called on stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the statement read. “The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”