INEC revises 2027 General Election timetable, moves Presidential poll to Jan 16 and reschedules Osun Governorship election to Aug 15, 2026.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, following recent changes to Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The Commission had initially scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027. However, the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026 introduced new statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities. In response, INEC reviewed and adjusted the election calendar to ensure full compliance with the updated legal framework.
Under the newly approved schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, January 16, 2027. Meanwhile, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
According to the Commission, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026. Campaign activities for Presidential and National Assembly candidates are set to begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
INEC emphasized that all political campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, in line with legal provisions. Political parties have been urged to strictly adhere to the timelines, with the Commission reaffirming its commitment to enforce compliance where necessary.
The revised timetable is available on INEC’s official website and other verified communication channels.
In addition to adjustments for the 2027 General Election, INEC also announced a change in the Osun State Governorship Election date. The poll, previously scheduled for August 8, 2026, will now hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026. While some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, the remaining processes will align strictly with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission noted that the updated schedule remains consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
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INEC called on political parties, stakeholders, civil society groups, security agencies, and voters to work together to ensure peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian electorate.
The statement was signed by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, on February 26, 2026.