BREAKING: INEC shifts 2027 general elections to January, February

The Independent National Electoral Commission has revised the timetable for the 2027 General Election, moving the presidential and National Assembly polls to January and the governorship and state assembly elections to February.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission approved a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities following changes in the electoral law.

INEC had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections under the Electoral Act, 2022.

However, the commission said the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026 necessitated a review of the schedule.

“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 read.

According to INEC, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

The commission also outlined key milestones in the revised timetable.

It stated that the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026.

“Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026,” INEC stated.

The commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that it would strictly enforce compliance.

“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,” the statement stated.

INEC said the revised timetable has been published on its official website and other communication platforms.

The commission also announced a slight adjustment to the Osun State governorship poll.

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“In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026,” the statement added.

INEC noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, the remaining processes would align strictly with the Electoral Act, 2026.

It emphasised that 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 remains a collective responsibility,” the commission stated.

It called on stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring VC peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.