BREAKING: INEC reviews timetable, fixes Jan 16 for presidential, N’Assembly elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has adjusted the electoral timetable for 2027 general polls. The commission fixed Saturday, 16th January 2027 for Presidential and National Assembly elections. Before this,
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has adjusted the electoral timetable for 2027 general polls.
The commission fixed Saturday, 16th January 2027 for Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Before this, INEC had announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections would take place on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls were scheduled for March 6, 2027.
The timetable drew criticism from sections of the public, particularly Muslim groups, who argued that the proposed dates clashed with the holy month of Ramadan.
National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna in a statement issued Thursday, February 26 in Abuja said the governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027.
The statement reads: "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and issued a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
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"The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022.
"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.
"Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows:
1. Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027.
2. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027.
Key Milestones in the Timetable
In accordance with the approved Schedule of Activities:
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* Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 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.
"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 Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election reflecting these adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on the Commission’s official website and other official communication platforms.
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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 Commission notes that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted. However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in 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 remains a collective responsibility.
"The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people."
