By Our Correspondent
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, adjusting the dates for the presidential, governorship, and state assembly polls in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to a statement signed by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the adjustments were made following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the introduction of new statutory timelines.
Haruna stated that the presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” he said.
Party Primaries, Campaigns Timetable
INEC announced that political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will begin on August 19, 2026, while those for governorship and state assembly elections will start on September 9, 2026.
“All campaigns must end 24 hours before election day,” Haruna emphasized, warning that the Commission will strictly enforce compliance with the law.
Osun Governorship Poll Moved To August 15
The Commission also made a minor adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, moving it from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
While some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls have already been conducted, INEC said remaining processes would align with the new electoral framework.
Haruna appealed to all stakeholders for cooperation, noting that successful elections depend on collective responsibility.
“The Commission calls on all Nigerians to work together to ensure peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that truly reflect the will of the people,” he added.
The new timetable comes just days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law, setting the stage for Nigeria’s next electoral cycle under an amended framework.
