INEC Announces New Dates for 2027 General Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced revised dates for the 2027 General Election following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commission said the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, 16 January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls have been rescheduled to Saturday, 6 February 2027.

The changes follow the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the introduction of the 2026 Act, which required adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election activities.

Under the new timetable, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will run from 23 April to 30 May 2026.

Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on 19 August 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Assembly elections will start on 9 September 2026.

INEC reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.

The Commission also rescheduled the Osun State Governorship Election from Saturday, 8 August 2026 to Saturday, 15 August 2026 to align with the new legal framework.

INEC emphasised that the revised timetable complies with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and called on stakeholders to ensure peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections in 2027.