INEC Shifts 2027 Elections to January, Citing New Electoral Law

Nigeria’s electoral calendar has been officially revised. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced a revised timetable for the 2027 General Election, moving the dates forward by several weeks to align with the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.

In a statement released on Thursday, February 26, 2026 the Commission confirmed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, 16th January 2027, a shift from the previously announced date of 20th February. The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been rescheduled to Saturday, 6th February 2027, moving from the initial 6th March date.

The adjustment, according to INEC, is necessitated by the transition from the Electoral Act, 2022, to the new Electoral Act, 2026, which introduces changes to statutory timelines governing pre-election activities. The revised schedule pushes the start of party primaries to late April 2026 and sets campaign kick-off dates for mid-August and early September 2026.

In a related development, the Commission also announced a one-week postponement of the Osun State Governorship Election, which will now take place on Saturday, 15th August 2026, instead of the earlier date of 8th August. INEC stated that the new dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution and the new Electoral Act, urging all political parties and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the revised timelines as the Commission moves to ensure full compliance with the latest legal framework.

FULL TEXT OF THE PRESS RELEASE:

ISSUANCE OF REVISED TIMETABLE AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTION AND RESCHEDULING OF OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and issued a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.

The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022.

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.

Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows:

Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027.

KEY MILESTONES IN THE TIMETABLE

In accordance with the approved Schedule of Activities:

Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026.
Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026.

As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines.

The Commission will enforce compliance with the law.

The Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election reflecting these adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on the Commission’s official website and other official communication platforms.

In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026.

The Commission notes that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted. However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with 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 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.

Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna
National Commissioner,
Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
26th February, 2026