The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 General Election, shifting the Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to February 6, 2027.
The electoral body said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced changes to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.
INEC, in a statement, explained that the Commission had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly Elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections for Saturday, March 6, 2027.
However, with the coming into force of the new Electoral Act, 2026, the Commission reviewed and realigned its schedule to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
Under the revised timetable, Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC also released key milestones leading up to the polls.
According to the Commission, conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly candidates are scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
The Commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, in line with the law.
It urged parties and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the revised timetable, warning that it would enforce full compliance with the provisions of the new Electoral Act.
