2027 election: Primaries begin April 23 as presidential campaigns start on August 19

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries ahead of the 2027 election, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

This was contained in the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election released by INEC on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Several political parties had earlier called for the release of a fresh timetable, arguing that the passage of the new Electoral Act made a review unavoidable.

Party leaders said a revised schedule was necessary to enable them to properly plan their primaries and other internal activities ahead of the polls.

The electoral umpire later announced that it will publish a new timetable for the 2027 general election to reflect the provisions of the recently amended Electoral Act.

However, INEC, on Thursday, added that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.

INEC shifts 2027 general election dates, releases revised timetable

INEC reminded political parties that, in line with the law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that it would enforce strict compliance with the timelines.

INEC said: “The revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.

“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility.

“The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”

The Star