JUST IN: INEC Reschedules 2027 General Elections, Releases New Timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 general elections, shifting the presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027.

Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now be conducted on February 6, 2027.

The commission had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls scheduled for March 6, 2027. The adjustment follows the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Key Dates in the Revised Timetable

Party primaries will hold from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026.

Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.

All campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.

Presidential and National Assembly elections: January 16, 2027.

Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections: February 6, 2027.

INEC stated that the new schedule is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.