by Godwin Orozo~
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a sweeping adjustment to the timetable for the 2027 general elections, moving the Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027.
The decision follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines for the conduct of elections across the country.
In a statement issued Thursday night in Abuja, the Commission said the new legal framework compelled a comprehensive review of previously announced dates.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that INEC has “reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework” established by the 2026 Act.
Under the revised schedule, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now hold on February 6, 2027 — a significant departure from the earlier plan that slated the presidential poll for late February and state elections for March.
The new calendar has also affected off-cycle elections. INEC confirmed that the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for August 8, 2026, will now take place on August 15, 2026.
Providing clarity on preparations for Ekiti and Osun states, Haruna noted that while some activities have already been completed, “the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.”
The updated timetable also outlines a tight schedule for political parties. Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, are set to commence on April 23, 2026, and must be concluded by May 30, 2026.
Campaign activities have also been clearly defined. Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns will start on September 9, 2026.
Haruna stressed the importance of strict adherence to the new timeline, warning that “political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines,” adding that “the Commission will enforce compliance with the law.”
He further clarified that all campaigns must end exactly 24 hours before election day, in line with statutory requirements.
INEC maintained that the changes are “consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.”
The Commission called on political actors, stakeholders, and citizens to work collectively to ensure peaceful and credible polls, urging cooperation “in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”
