The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has amended the dates for the 2027 general elections following changes to the country’s electoral law.
In a press statement late Thursday titled, “ISSUANCE OF REVISED TIMETABLE AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTION AND RESCHEDULING OF OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION,” the commission said it has approved and issued a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the polls.
Akelicious reports that INEC had earlier fixed Saturday, 20 February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and Saturday, 6 March 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections under the Electoral Act, 2022.
However, the commission said the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026 introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.
It stated that the development made it necessary to review and realign the schedule to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
According to the commission, Presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, 16 January 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, 6 February 2027.
INEC also outlined key milestones in the new timetable.
It said the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23 April 2026 and end on 30 May 2026.
The commission added that presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19 August 2026, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will begin on 9 September 2026.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” it added.
