INEC to unveil new 2027 election timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed it will issue a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections following the passage of the Electoral Act 2026.

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the commission is reviewing the new law and will adjust its schedule to comply with the revised 300-day notice requirement for elections.

INEC had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly polls and March 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly elections, but the dates drew criticism — including concerns about a clash with the Ramadan fasting period.

Legal experts, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, said a fresh timetable is mandatory, stressing that electoral schedules must align with the updated law to avoid litigation.

Political parties — among them the African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peoples Democratic Party and the ruling All Progressives Congress — have urged INEC to act quickly so they can organise primaries, congresses and other internal activities without uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria opposed calls to shift election dates on religious grounds, warning that such adjustments could undermine Nigeria’s secular status.

INEC said consultations are ongoing and assured stakeholders that a harmonised timetable will be released in line with the Electoral Act 2026.