The Independent National Electoral Commission has unveiled a fresh timetable for the 2027 general elections, announcing significant changes to previously announced dates and activities.
The decision follows the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced new timelines for pre-election procedures and other statutory processes.
Under the revised schedule, INEC confirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been fixed for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The adjustment represents a shift from the earlier dates of February 20 and March 6, 2027, respectively.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the updated timetable was approved after a comprehensive legal review.
He explained that the new Electoral Act, 2026, altered certain statutory deadlines governing party primaries, submission of candidate information, campaigns, and other electoral activities.
As a result, INEC had to realign its calendar to ensure full compliance with the law.
The commission stated that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from those primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026, and must conclude by May 30, 2026.
This window is designed to allow political parties to finalize their candidates early and address internal disagreements before the formal nomination process begins.
Submission of personal particulars for candidates contesting the presidential and National Assembly elections will close on August 1, 2026.
For governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates, the deadline is August 29, 2026.
These timelines are part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the nomination process.
Campaign activities have also been clearly mapped out. Political parties are permitted to begin campaigns for presidential and National Assembly positions on August 19, 2026.
Campaigns for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will start on September 9, 2026.
In line with existing legal provisions, all campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day.
INEC further clarified that the final date for replacing withdrawn candidates in presidential and National Assembly races is August 29, 2026.
For governorship and state assembly elections, political parties have until September 26, 2026, to make substitutions where necessary.
The last day for submission of nomination forms for presidential and National Assembly elections is September 12, 2026, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly nominations must be completed by September 26, 2026.
The commission also outlined when it will publish the final list of nominated candidates. For the presidential and National Assembly elections, publication will take place on January 14, 2027.
The corresponding publication for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will occur on February 6, 2027, the same day those polls are conducted.
Beyond the general election timetable, INEC announced a minor adjustment to the Osun State governorship election.
Initially scheduled for August 8, 2026, the poll will now be conducted on August 15, 2026.
The commission explained that some preparatory steps for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been completed, but remaining activities will strictly follow the Electoral Act, 2026.
Haruna emphasized that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as the provisions of the new electoral law.
He warned political parties to adhere strictly to the approved schedule, noting that INEC will enforce compliance where necessary.
The electoral body described the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections as a collective responsibility.
It called on political parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, the media, and voters to cooperate fully in ensuring a peaceful, credible, and inclusive process.
With the revised timetable now public, attention is shifting to political stakeholders who must organize their primaries and campaign strategies within the legally defined timeframe.
Observers believe the earlier scheduling of the presidential election in January could reshape political calculations and campaign dynamics nationwide.
INEC reiterated that the full Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 general election is available on its official website and other communication platforms.
The commission encouraged all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the new dates to avoid procedural errors that could jeopardize participation.
As preparations intensify, the commission maintains that adherence to the Electoral Act, 2026 will be central to delivering transparent elections that reflect the will of Nigerian voters.
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