The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) approves and releases a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, citing the need to align electoral processes with the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the Commission reviews its earlier schedule following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the coming into force of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduces adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities across the country.
INEC had previously fixed Saturday, 20 February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, 6 March 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. However, the new legal framework necessitates a realignment of these dates to ensure full compliance with extant laws.
Mediaplusng.com reports that under the revised timetable, Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, 16 January 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are rescheduled to Saturday, 6 February 2027.
The Commission states that the adjustments are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to lawful and transparent electoral administration.
In further details obtained by Mediaplusng.com, INEC outlines key milestones in the updated schedule. The conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23 April 2026 and conclude on 30 May 2026.
Campaign activities for Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on 19 August 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9 September 2026. In accordance with the law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day.
The Commission urges political parties to strictly adhere to the revised timelines, warning that it will enforce compliance with relevant legal provisions to guarantee orderly and credible elections.
INEC confirms that the revised timetable and detailed schedule of activities are accessible via its official website and other approved communication platforms to ensure transparency and public awareness.
In addition to the adjustments for the 2027 General Election, the Commission announces the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election. The poll, earlier slated for Saturday, 8 August 2026, will now hold on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
INEC notes that certain preliminary activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted. However, all outstanding processes will proceed strictly in line with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission reiterates that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility involving political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society organizations and the electorate.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC calls on stakeholders to cooperate fully in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
With the revised timetable now in place, attention shifts to political parties and electoral stakeholders as preparations intensify for what promises to be a defining electoral cycle under Nigeria’s updated legal framework.
