The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major adjustment to the 2027 general election calendar, bringing forward the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027.
The decision follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the signing into law of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new timelines for the conduct of elections across the country.
In a statement released Thursday night in Abuja, the Commission explained that the new legislation required a full review of the previously announced election dates to ensure compliance with the updated legal framework.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission has “reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework” established by the 2026 Act.
Under the revised timetable, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, February 6, 2027. This marks a notable shift from the earlier plan, which had scheduled the presidential election for late February and state elections for March.
The changes also affect off-cycle polls. INEC confirmed that the Osun State Governorship Election, initially slated for August 8, 2026, has been moved to August 15, 2026.
On preparations for the Ekiti and Osun elections, the Commission noted that although some preliminary activities have been completed, “the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.”
Political parties now face an accelerated schedule. Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, are to begin on April 23, 2026, and must be concluded by May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns are set to begin on September 9, 2026.
Haruna urged political actors to strictly observe the new timeline, warning that “political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines” and affirming that “the Commission will enforce compliance with the law.”
He also clarified that all campaigns must end exactly 24 hours before their respective election days, in line with statutory provisions.
According to INEC, the revised schedule aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission called on stakeholders and citizens to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
What You Should Know
INEC has shifted the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
Governorship and State Assembly elections will now hold on February 6, 2027. Party primaries are scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while campaigns begin in August and September 2026.
The Osun governorship poll has also been moved to August 15, 2026. The Commission says the changes are necessary to comply with the new electoral law and will be strictly enforced.
