Citypost News Desk
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, citing changes introduced by the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Commission announced that 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.
INEC had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly polls for February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Assembly elections for March 6, 2027, in line with the repealed Electoral Act, 2022. However, following the repeal of the 2022 Act and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which adjusted statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission reviewed and realigned its schedule to ensure full legal compliance.
According to the revised timetable, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
INEC emphasized that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, as stipulated by law, warning that strict compliance will be enforced.
The Commission noted that the revised timetable has been published on its official website and other authorized communication platforms.
In a related development, INEC announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship election from Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Saturday, August 15, 2026. While some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, the Commission stated that all remaining processes will be implemented strictly in line with the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC affirmed that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission called on political parties, stakeholders, and the general public to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
