The Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, has shifted the date for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections which was earlier fixed for February 20, to Saturday, January 16, 2027.
The Commission also announced that governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC had earlier fixed February 20 and March 6, 2027 for the two categories of elections. However, the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced changes to statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, the Commission said the revised timetable was approved to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
According to the Commission, the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026.
It added that campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.
INEC stated that, as provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day and advised political parties to adhere strictly to the timelines, warning that it would enforce compliance.
The Commission said the revised timetable and schedule of activities reflecting the adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on its official website and other official communication platforms.
In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
INEC noted 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 Commission stated that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
It emphasized that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility and called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.