The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the 2027 General Elections, moving the Presidential and National Assembly polls to Saturday, January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Assembly elections to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the new election timetable in a statement issued on Thursday.
The electoral body said the adjustment follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which altered statutory timelines for pre-election and election activities nationwide, adding that the commission reviewed and realigned the earlier released schedule to ensure full 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.
INEC had earlier fixed February 20 and March 6, 2027 for the two phases of the elections but reviewed the timetable to align fully with the new legal framework.
According to the Key Dates Released by the electoral body:
– Party primaries: April 23 – May 30, 2026
– Presidential/National Assembly campaigns: begin August 19, 2026
– Governorship/State Assembly campaigns: begin September 9, 2026
– Campaigns end: 24 hours before election day
The Commission warned political parties to strictly comply with the revised schedule, stressing it will enforce all legal provisions.
The announcement also includes a rescheduling of the Osun State governorship election to fit the updated national timetable.
INEC’s decision sets the official countdown in motion for what is expected to be a closely watched electoral cycle in Nigeria.
