The Independent National Electoral Commission has released a revised timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, moving the polls to earlier dates following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
Under the new schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are fixed for February 6, 2027.
INEC had initially planned to conduct the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Assembly polls on March 6, 2027. However, the dates attracted objections from some Muslim stakeholders who raised concerns that the elections would coincide with the Ramadan fasting period.
Responding to the concerns, the Senate amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days. The amendment paved the way for INEC to legally adjust the election dates.
In a statement accompanying the revised timetable and shared on its official X handle, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the new schedule aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and ensures broader inclusion.
“The Commission has reviewed the 2027 General Election timetable in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and after extensive consultations with stakeholders,” Amupitan said. “The adjusted dates will allow for smoother preparations and address concerns raised by key segments of the electorate.”
According to the commission, preparations for the elections will commence as early as April 1, 2026, beginning with the submission of political parties’ registers of members.
Party primaries are scheduled to start on April 23, 2026, while the submission of nomination forms will run between late June and early August 2026, depending on the category of election.
INEC also announced that campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will officially begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.
The final list of nominated candidates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be published on September 12, 2026, while that of Governorship and State Assembly candidates will be released on October 10, 2026.
The commission noted that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, with January 14, 2027, and February 4, 2027, set as the final campaign days for the respective elections.
INEC urged political parties, candidates, and voters to familiarize themselves with the revised timetable to ensure full compliance and effective participation in the 2027 general elections.
