INEC shifts presidential poll to January 16, campaigns fixed from August 19, September 9

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, bringing forward the presidential poll to January 16, 2027, in line with the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the introduction of fresh statutory timelines under the new law.

Originally, the presidential and National Assembly elections were scheduled for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls fixed for March 6, 2027.

However, INEC said a review became necessary to ensure compliance with the updated legal framework.

Under the revised schedule, Nigerians will now elect the President and members of the National Assembly on Saturday, January 16, 2027.

Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow three weeks later on February 6, 2027.

INEC also outlined a series of pre-election activities.

Political party primaries, including the resolution of internal disputes, are slated to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates would commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns are to begin on September 9, 2026.

The Commission reminded political parties that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, stressing that strict compliance with the law would be enforced.

According to INEC, the revised timetable aligns with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026, adding that the full schedule has been published on its official platforms.

In a separate development, INEC announced a slight shift in the Osun State governorship election, moving it from August 8 to August 15, 2026.

The Commission explained that while some processes for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been completed, all outstanding activities would now proceed in accordance with the new Electoral Act.

INEC emphasised that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend on cooperation among stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, civil society groups and voters.

The revision comes barely two weeks after the electoral body initially released the 2027 timetable on February 13, 2026.

That earlier schedule had drawn criticism from some Nigerians, particularly over its proximity to the Ramadan fasting period observed by Muslims.

The adjustment also followed the signing of the Electoral Act 2026 into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking one of the first major administrative outcomes of the new electoral framework.

With the updated calendar now in place, political actors are expected to recalibrate their strategies as preparations gather momentum for another nationwide election cycle.