The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new dates for the 2027 general elections, shifting the Presidential and National Assembly polls to Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed the changes in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
The commission had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Assembly polls under the Electoral Act, 2022.
However, following the repeal of the 2022 law and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which adjusted statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities, INEC reviewed its timetable to align with the new legal framework.
According to the commission, party primaries and the resolution of disputes will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
Campaigns are required to end 24 hours before Election Day.
INEC also rescheduled the Osun State governorship election from August 8 to August 15, 2026, noting that outstanding processes for Ekiti and Osun polls would comply strictly with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The commission said the revised timetable is consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged stakeholders to ensure peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
