The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The commission also approved Saturday, February 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the new dates in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
The commission had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Assembly elections for March 6, 2027, pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022.
However, following the repeal of the 2022 Act and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities, INEC reviewed and realigned the timetable to comply with the new legal framework.
“Accordingly, the commission has resolved as follows: Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027,” the statement read.
Haruna outlined key milestones in the revised schedule, stating that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.
He added that campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 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,” Haruna stated.
INEC also announced that the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to August 15, 2026.
The commission noted that while some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, remaining processes would align strictly with the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC emphasised that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, and called on stakeholders to ensure peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
