NIGERIA: INEC Reschedules 2027 Presidential Election

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, following adjustments to the country’s electoral framework.

The Commission announced the decision on Thursday in Abuja after reviewing its earlier timetable to align with provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, which replaced the Electoral Act 2022 and introduced revised timelines for electoral activities.

Under the new schedule, governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now hold on February 6, 2027, altering the previously proposed sequence for the polls.

INEC also adjusted off-cycle elections, shifting the Osun State governorship election from August 8 to August 15, 2026, while preparations for both Ekiti and Osun elections will continue under the updated legal framework.

Political party primaries and dispute resolution processes are scheduled to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.

Speaking on the revised timetable, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission reviewed its schedule to comply fully with the provisions of the new electoral law.

He said:

“The commission reviewed its earlier schedule to align fully with the provisions of the new law.”

Haruna urged political parties and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the approved timelines to ensure orderly and credible elections.

He said:

“Campaigns must end 24 hours before election day as required by law.”

The electoral body also called on political actors and citizens to support peaceful, inclusive, and transparent elections in line with constitutional provisions and th

e Electoral Act 2026.