.Guber, state assembly elections get new date
BY CALEB ISHAYA, ABUJA
Against its earlier schedule
of the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections
for February 20, 2027, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced new timetable for the forthcoming general elections.
In a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, released by the Commission late yesterday, Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January, 2027.
According to the new template, the Governorship and State Assembly elections earlier slated for
March 6, 2027, will now hold on Saturday, 6th February, 2027.
The changes in the dates, according to a statement issued yesterday by the
National Commissioner,
Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee,
Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, were necessitated because the old dates were fixed pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022, which has now been repealed, following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
“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”, it stated.
In accordance with the approved Schedule of Activities, Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026.
In the same vein, Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026, while 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”, it stressed.
In addition, it stated that the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026.
The Commission also noted that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted, stating that 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”, it stated, calling on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
