2027 Elections: INEC Unveils New January, February Poll Dates

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan

2027 Elections: INEC Unveils New January, February Poll Dates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) has officially revised the timetable for the 2027 general elections, shifting the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls to February.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, following adjustments to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework.

INEC explained that the revision became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the subsequent enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines for pre-election and election activities.

Under the previous schedule released in line with the Electoral Act, 2022, the Presidential and National Assembly elections were fixed for Saturday, February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were slated for Saturday, March 6, 2027.

However, the commission said a comprehensive review of the timetable showed that compliance with the new law required an adjustment of election dates and related activities.

“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement said.

According to the revised timetable, Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

Key Timelines and Campaign Schedule

In the updated schedule of activities, INEC outlined several critical benchmarks ahead of the elections.

The commission announced that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.

INEC also fixed the start of campaign activities, stating that Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.

The commission warned political parties to strictly adhere to campaign timelines, stressing that all political activities must stop 24 hours before election day, in line with the law.

“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,” INEC said.

Osun, Ekiti Elections Adjusted

INEC also announced a minor adjustment to the governorship election in Osun State, moving the poll from Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The commission clarified that while some electoral activities for the governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun had already taken place, all remaining processes would strictly comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC emphasized that the revised timetable aligns with both the Electoral Act, 2026 and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission stated, urging political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and voters to work together to ensure peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.