By Mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for 16th January 2027.
INEC also rescheduled the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly Elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections for Saturday, March 6, 2027.
The revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, follows complaints that the initial dates fall within Ramadan.
Besides, the new dates fall within the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press statement released on February 26, 2026, and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission explained that the changes became necessary following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the subsequent enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.
The Commission stated that the review and realignment of the schedule were undertaken to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework and to guarantee that all electoral processes adhere strictly to the law.
According to the approved timetable, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026. Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly positions are scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
INEC reminded political parties that, as stipulated by law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day.
The Commission urged strict adherence to the timelines, emphasizing that it will enforce compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The revised timetable and schedule of activities have been published on the Commission’s official website and other communication platforms for public access.
INEC also announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election.
The election, previously fixed for Saturday, August 8, 2026, will now hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
While noting that some activities concerning the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted, the Commission assured stakeholders that the remaining processes will be carried out strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC maintained that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible and transparent elections.
The Commission called on political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media, and the electorate to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
