The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced 16 January 2027 as the new date for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
The commission also set 6 February 2027 for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections.
Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed the revised timetable in a statement released on Thursday.
INEC had initially scheduled the presidential and National Assembly polls for 20 February 2027 and the governorship and state assembly elections for 6 March 2027. However, the timetable was adjusted following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Haruna explained that the Electoral Act, 2026 introduced changes to statutory timelines guiding pre-election and electoral activities, prompting the commission to review and align its earlier schedule with the new legal provisions.
“Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows: Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027,” the statement reads.
He added that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will begin on 23 April 2026 and conclude on 30 May 2026, in line with the approved schedule of activities.
Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on 19 August 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will start on 9 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,” he said.
“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.”
Haruna further stated that the Osun State governorship election, previously slated for 8 August 2026, has been moved to 15 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,” he said.
This marks the first time since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 that a presidential election will be conducted in January. Previous elections were held on 27 February 1999, 19 April 2003, 21 April 2007, 16 April 2011, 28 March 2015, and 23 and 25 February in 2019 and 2023 respectively.