INEC Releases Official Campaign Timetable for the 2027 General Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the campaign timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, outlining when political parties and candidates can legally begin and end electioneering activities in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.
The schedule provides clear guidelines for campaigns ahead of the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, and State Houses of Assembly elections, while reinforcing the legal framework designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and order throughout the electoral process.
Campaign Schedule for the 2027 General Elections
Presidential and National Assembly Elections
Political parties and candidates contesting the Presidential and National Assembly elections are permitted to begin campaigns on Tuesday, August 19, 2026.
Campaign activities must end on Friday, January 15, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the elections scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections
Campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will officially commence on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Electioneering activities must conclude on Friday, February 5, 2027, ahead of the elections fixed for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Electoral Act 2026 Sets Clear Campaign Rules
INEC explained that the approved timetable complies fully with the Electoral Act 2026, which regulates campaign activities for all political parties and candidates.
Under the law:
- Political campaigns can only begin 150 days before an election.
- All campaign activities must end 24 hours before polling day.
- Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are prohibited from starting campaigns before the approved dates.
- Any violation of the campaign timetable may attract sanctions in accordance with the Electoral Act and relevant electoral regulations.
The Commission also noted that the newly approved timetable replaces the earlier election schedule previously announced, ensuring full compliance with the revised Electoral Act 2026.
Political Parties to Begin Mobilisation
With the official timetable now in place, political parties and candidates are expected to intensify preparations through public rallies, media campaigns, town hall meetings, voter engagement programmes, and grassroots mobilisation.
Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while those seeking Governorship and State Assembly positions can officially commence campaigns from September 9, 2026.
INEC Urges Compliance
INEC has urged all political parties, candidates, supporters, security agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to strictly adhere to the approved campaign timetable.
The Commission emphasized that compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 will contribute to peaceful, credible, free, and fair elections while promoting a transparent democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
