The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and issued a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election and also rescheduled the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The details were contained in a statement issued by the electoral commission to the media late on Thursday.
According to the National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the new dates were fixed 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 Eagle Online recalls that the Commission had earlier fixed February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and March 6, 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022.
In view of the latest development, INEC, Haruna said, has reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.
Sequel to this, the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on January 16, 2027 and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on February 6, 2027.
In accordance with the approved Schedule of Activities, the Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026; Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026; and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
Haruna said: “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.”
On the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for August 8, 2026, Haruna said it has been rescheduled to August 15, 2026.
He added: “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.”
