The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced January 16, 2027, as the new date for the presidential and National Assembly elections, following a comprehensive review of its electoral timetable.
The Commission also fixed February 6, 2027, for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued Thursday by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
Haruna explained that the adjustment became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” he stated.
He added, “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.”
INEC further announced that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026.
“Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026,” Haruna said.
He also outlined the official commencement of campaigns.
“Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026,” he noted, adding that “Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026.”
The Commission equally announced a slight adjustment to the Osun State governorship election earlier slated for August 8, 2026.
“The Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026,” the statement said.
INEC clarified that some activities concerning the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, but the remaining processes would strictly comply with the Electoral Act, 2026.
“However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026,” Haruna stated.
The Commission urged all political parties and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the revised timetable to ensure seamless preparation for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Realigns 2027 Election Schedule, Adjusts Osun Governorship Date
