2027: INEC fixes January 16, February 6, for presidential, governorship elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections following recent changes to the country’s electoral law.

In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission adjusted the schedule to align with provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026, which replaced the 2022 law and modified statutory timelines for electoral processes.

Under the revised plan, Presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

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INEC also outlined key milestones leading to the polls. Party primaries and dispute resolution processes will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly seats will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.

As required by law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.

Additionally, the governorship election in Osun State has been moved from August 8 to August 15, 2026, while remaining activities for elections in Ekiti State and Osun will proceed in accordance with the new law.

INEC urged political parties, civil society, and voters to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.