Yemi Obafemi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, January 16, 2027.
In a statement, the commission said it had earlier fixed February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly polls and March 6, 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections under the Electoral Act, 2022.
It explained that the change followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities.
“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026… the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement read.
It added that “Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027.”
On the revised timetable, the commission stated: “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, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026.
INEC added that campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, in line with the law, and urged political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines, warning that it would enforce full compliance.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day… The Commission will enforce compliance with the law.”
