The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major revision of Nigeria’s 2027 election calendar, moving the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027.
This adjustment follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which has reshaped the legal timelines governing elections in the country. INEC explained that the new law required a full review of previously announced dates to ensure compliance.
Speaking from Abuja, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission had “reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.”
Under the revised timetable, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are now set for Saturday, February 6, 2027, marking a significant shift from earlier plans that had scheduled the presidential vote for late February and state-level contests for March.
The change also affects off-cycle elections. INEC confirmed that the Osun State Governorship Election, initially slated for August 8, 2026, will now hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Preparations for the Ekiti and Osun polls will continue, with remaining activities fully aligned with the Electoral Act 2026.
Political parties face an accelerated schedule, with primaries and dispute resolutions beginning April 23, 2026, and concluding by May 30, 2026. Campaigning windows are also clearly defined: Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will start August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns begin September 9, 2026.
Haruna stressed the importance of discipline, warning parties to strictly adhere to the timelines and confirming that all campaigns must end 24 hours before their respective elections, as required by law.
The Commission assured that the new schedule aligns fully with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026. INEC urged all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of Nigerians.