By Peter Dansu The Independent National Electoral Commission has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 Gener...
By Peter Dansu
The Independent National Electoral Commission has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, shifting the dates earlier in the year following changes introduced by the new Electoral Act.
In a press statement issued by the Commission, INEC said the review became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which adjusted statutory timelines for pre election and electoral activities.
The Commission 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. However, with the new legal framework now in place, the electoral body said it had realigned its schedule to ensure full compliance with the law.
Under the revised timetable, Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, 16 January 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been rescheduled for Saturday, 6 February 2027.
INEC also outlined key milestones leading up to the polls. Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will begin on 23 April 2026 and end on 30 May 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly candidates are scheduled to commence on 19 August 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will begin on 9 September 2026.
The Commission reminded political parties that, in line with the law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day. It urged parties to strictly adhere to the approved timelines, warning that it will enforce full compliance with the provisions of the law.
The revised schedule is expected to shape early political activities across the country as parties prepare for what promises to be a pivotal 2027 general election season.
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