INEC Unveils Revised Timetable For 2027 General Elections, Shifts Osun Governorship Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved and released a revised timetable for the 2027 General Election following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced major adjustments to statutory timelines governing electoral activities.

In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission confirmed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, 16th January 2027, instead of the earlier date of 20th February 2027.

The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have also been moved from 6th March 2027 to Saturday, 6th February 2027.

According to INEC, the decision to realign the timetable was taken to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the new Electoral Act, which modifies timelines for party primaries, campaigns, and other pre-election activities.

Under the revised schedule, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will run from 23rd April to 30th May 2026. Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on 19th August 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will begin on 9th September 2026. By law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, and the Commission warned that it will enforce strict adherence to these dates.

The revised timetable has been published on the Commission’s website and other official communication channels for public access. INEC also announced that the Osun State Governorship Election, initially scheduled for 8th August 2026, has been shifted to 15th August 2026.

The Commission noted that although some preparatory activities for the Osun and Ekiti State governorship elections have already been carried out, remaining activities will now be implemented in line with the new Electoral Act 2026.

INEC stressed that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections.

The Commission called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society groups, and all Nigerians to cooperate in ensuring that the forthcoming elections reflect the will of the people.