INEC Shifts 2027 Presidential Election To January 16, Moves Governorship Polls To February 6
The Independent National Electoral Commission has revised the timetable for the 2027 general elections, announcing new dates for the presidential, National Assembly and governorship polls. In a statement released on Thursday, February 26, and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission confirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027. INEC explained that the adjustment became necessary following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced changes to statutory timelines guiding pre-election activities and other electoral processes. “Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement read. Originally, the presidential and National Assembly polls were fixed for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections were scheduled for March 6, 2027. Under the revised timetable, governorship and state Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The commission also provided a breakdown of critical activities leading up to the elections. Party primaries, including the settlement of disputes arising from them, will begin on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates are set to commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state Assembly candidates will start on September 9, 2026. In accordance with the law, all campaigns must conclude 24 hours before polling day. “Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” INEC warned. In a separate update, INEC shifted the Osun State governorship election from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026. The commission noted that while some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted under the old schedule, all remaining processes would now align with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. “The revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026,” the statement added. INEC urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to work together to ensure smooth and credible elections. “The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” the commission concluded. The updated election timetable has been made available on INEC’s official website and communication platforms. The shift also means the presidential election will no longer fall within the Ramadan fasting period, addressing earlier concerns raised over the initial February date.
