INEC Reschedules 2027 General Election, Releases New Election Timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has adjusted the schedule for the 2027 general elections following the signing of a new Electoral Act into law.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mohammed Haruna, the commission announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on January 16, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been shifted to February 6, 2027.

Previously, under the repealed Electoral Act of 2022, the elections were slated for February 20 and March 6, 2027.

INEC explained that the change became necessary after the repeal of the 2022 legislation and the introduction of the Electoral Act, 2026, which altered statutory timelines guiding pre-election and electoral processes. The commission said it has consequently realigned its schedule of activities to comply fully with the new legal framework.

The adjustment also responds to concerns raised by Muslim groups that the earlier dates would overlap with the Ramadan fasting period, potentially affecting voter participation.

In addition, INEC announced a change to the Osun State governorship election date. The poll, originally scheduled for August 8, will now be held on August 15. While some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been completed, the commission said all remaining processes will strictly follow the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Under the revised timetable, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, including resolving disputes arising from the exercises. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on September 9. All campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.

President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act, 2026, into law on February 18 after its passage by the National Assembly.

The legislation generated debate, particularly over provisions relating to the electronic transmission of election results. While the House of Representatives supported mandatory electronic transmission of results directly from polling units to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), the Senate initially opposed making it compulsory.

Following public outcry and pressure from opposition parties, the Senate revised its stance, agreeing that electronic transmission would remain optional, with manual transmission permitted in the event of internet disruptions.