The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced a sweeping revision of the timetable for the 2027 general elections, bringing forward the Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027.
The electoral body said the decision followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the coming into force of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new timelines guiding the conduct of elections across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday night, INEC said the fresh legal framework made it imperative to review the previously published schedule in order to align fully with the new statutory provisions.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, disclosed that the commission had “reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework” established by the 2026 Act.
According to the updated timetable, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now hold on February 6, 2027.
The development marks a shift from the commission’s earlier plan, which had fixed the presidential election for late February and the state elections for March 2027.
The revised calendar also affects off-cycle polls. INEC confirmed that the Osun State governorship election earlier slated for August 8, 2026, will now take place on August 15, 2026.
On preparations for the Ekiti and Osun elections, the commission explained that although some preliminary activities had been concluded, outstanding processes would be conducted strictly in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC further outlined timelines for political parties, stating that primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and must be concluded by May 30, 2026.
Campaign activities for presidential and National Assembly candidates are scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and State Assembly campaigns will start on September 9, 2026.
Haruna urged political parties to strictly observe the new timelines, stressing that the commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law.
He also reiterated that all campaigns must end 24 hours before the respective election dates, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC maintained that the adjustments are consistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that the 2027 elections are peaceful, credible and reflective of the will of the electorate.
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