INEC announces new dates for 2027 Presidential, Governorship Elections

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

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

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

INEC had earlier fixed 20 February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly polls and 6 March 2027 for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

However, the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the coming into force of the Electoral Act, 2026 necessitated adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.

The Commission said the revised timetable ensures full compliance with the new legal framework.

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

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

INEC reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that it would strictly enforce compliance with the law.

The Commission also rescheduled the Osun State Governorship Election from Saturday, 8 August 2026 to Saturday, 15 August 2026, noting that remaining activities for both Ekiti and Osun elections would now align with the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC described the revised timetable as consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and called on stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2027.