Isaac Samuel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, January 16, 2027, following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission also moved the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
According to Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement said the adjustment ensures full compliance with the new legal framework and allows for the orderly conduct of pre-election activities, including party primaries and campaigns.
He said party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections start on September 9, 2026.
He emphasised that, as provided by law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, and political parties are expected to adhere strictly to these timelines.
He said INEC will enforce compliance to ensure the credibility of the elections.
The Commission also announced that the Osun State Governorship election, initially fixed for August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to August 15, 2026.
While some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls have already taken place, remaining processes will proceed in strict accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2026. The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections is a collective responsibility. We call on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” the Commission said.
