BREAKING: INEC Revises 2027 Election Timetable; Presidential Poll Set for January 16

Africa, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a revised timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued Thursday night, the commission explained that the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities. INEC said the schedule was realigned to ensure full compliance with the updated legal framework.

Under the new timetable:

• Presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
• Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

Political parties are required to conduct their primaries — including the resolution of disputes — between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.

INEC emphasized that all political parties must adhere strictly to the revised timetable and noted that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.