ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a revised timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections following recent amendments to the nation’s electoral framework.
The updated schedule, approved under the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, shifts major election dates earlier than initially planned, setting the stage for intensified political activities nationwide.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, confirmed the changes in a timetable released
Under the revised timetable:
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Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027.
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Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The earlier timetable had fixed the elections for February 20 and March 6, 2027, respectively.
The adjustment followed concerns raised by Muslim stakeholders who noted that the earlier dates coincided with the Ramadan fasting period.
In response, the National Assembly amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days, thereby enabling INEC to revise the polling dates.
The amendment paved the way for smoother electoral participation across religious and regional groups.
Key Activities Leading to 2027 Polls
INEC outlined a detailed roadmap beginning well ahead of the elections:
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Submission of political parties’ membership registers: April 1 – April 21, 2026
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Party primaries and dispute resolution: April 23 – May 30, 2026
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Submission of nomination forms:
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Presidential/National Assembly: June 27 – July 11, 2026
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Governorship/State Assembly: July 18 – August 8, 2026
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Commencement of campaigns:
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Presidential/National Assembly: August 19, 2026
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Governorship/State Assembly: September 9, 2026
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Campaign activities will officially end on January 14, 2027, for presidential elections and February 4, 2027, for governorship polls.
INEC also scheduled the publication of the official voters’ register for December 15, 2026, while notices of poll will be issued on December 29, 2026.
With preparatory activities commencing as early as April 2026, political parties are expected to accelerate internal consultations, coalition talks and candidate selection processes.
Analysts say the revised timetable effectively signals the unofficial start of Nigeria’s 2027 election cycle, as parties begin nationwide mobilisation and strategic positioning.
The new schedule comes amid heightened political realignments across the country, including recent defections and alliance negotiations expected to shape the upcoming electoral contest.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting credible, inclusive and transparent elections, assuring Nigerians that all preparations would strictly comply with constitutional and legal provisions governing the electoral process.
