The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled party primaries for the 2027 general elections to run from 23rd April to 30th May 2026, just over two months away, as it released a revised timetable for the national polls.
The information was disclosed on Thursday in a statement signed by Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee. Under the new schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been shifted to Saturday, 6th February 2027.
The adjustment follows the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which revised statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities. INEC said the changes ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.
Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections are set to begin on 19th August 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly will start on 6th September 2026. The Commission emphasised that all campaigns must end 24 hours before the elections, and warned political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines.
The Osun State Governorship election, previously fixed for 8th August 2026, has also been rescheduled to 15th August 2026. INEC noted that some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, but remaining processes will now follow the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains 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 statement read.
The Commission also made the revised timetable and schedule of activities available on its official website and other communication platforms for public access.
INEC urged political parties, candidates, and the general public to comply with the new schedule, maintain peace, and uphold decorum in the lead-up to the elections.
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