The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 16, 2027, as the new date for the presidential and national assembly elections in Nigeria.
The commission also fixed February 6, 2027, as the date for governorship and state houses of assembly election.
Mohammed Haruna, national commissioner and chairman, information and voter education committee, disclosed the new election timetable in Abuja through a statement on Thursday.
The forced review of the timetable followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026 which was assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 18, 2026.
The Daily Crucible reports that the electoral body had earlier scheduled February 20, 2027, for the presidential and national assembly elections and March 6, 2027, for the governorship and state houses of assembly elections.
In the issued statement, Haruna said the Electoral Act, 2026 introduced adjustments to statutory timelines guiding pre-election and electoral activities, explaining that the commission reviewed and realigned the earlier released schedule in 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,” the statement reads.
The national commissioner said in accordance with the approved schedule of activities, conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.
He said presidential and national assembly campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state houses of 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,” he said.
“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.”
Haruna also said the Osun state governorship election, earlier fixed for August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to August 15, 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,” he said.
