INEC shifts 2027 general election dates, releases revised timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election following changes introduced by the Electoral Act, 2026.

In a press release issued at its headquarters in Abuja, the commission announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been rescheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

INEC said the adjustments followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which altered statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral processes.

According to the commission, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026.

It added that campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will start on September 9, 2026.

INEC reiterated that political campaigns must end 24 hours before election day in line with legal provisions and warned that compliance with the timetable would be strictly enforced.

The commission stated that the revised schedule aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, urging stakeholders to cooperate to ensure peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.