The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced January 16, 2027, as the new date for Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections following a revision of the country’s electoral timetable.
The commission also fixed February 6, 2027, for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections across the federation.
INEC made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.
According to the electoral body, the change became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which required an adjustment of the election calendar.
Before the revision, INEC had scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections were fixed for March 6, 2027.
The earlier February 20 date generated controversy after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on INEC to reconsider the timetable, pointing out that it coincided with the Ramadan fasting period observed by millions of Nigerian Muslims.
Atiku had cautioned that conducting elections during Ramadan could affect voter turnout and public participation, describing the timing as insensitive to Nigeria’s socio-religious realities.
“Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus,” he said at the time, adding that inclusive planning was vital in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
INEC had earlier released the 2027 general election timetable amid public speculation over possible polling dates, stating that the schedule complied with constitutional and legal provisions.
However, the passage of the new Electoral Act, 2026 led the commission to review its earlier timetable, resulting in the new dates announced on Thursday.
