RismadarVoice Reporters, February 26, 2026
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and released a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for Saturday, March 6, 2027, pursuant to the now-repealed Electoral Act, 2022.
However, in a press statement issued on Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission announced that the new Electoral Act, 2026, introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, necessitating a review of the schedule.
According to the revised timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The Commission also outlined key milestones in the electoral calendar. Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, are to commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.
In line with the law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.
INEC urged political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines, warning that the Commission would enforce compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In addition, the Commission announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election from Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Saturday, August 15, 2026. It noted that while some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, the remaining processes would align fully with the new Electoral Act.
INEC stated that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission emphasized that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility and called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive polls that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
