• The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections
• The Presidential & National Assembly polls have been moved to January 16, 2027, while Governorship & State Houses of Assembly elections are rescheduled to February 6, 2027
• The Commission warned that parties should strictly comply with new timelines

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, bringing forward key dates after changes to Nigeria’s electoral law.

In a press statement issued late Thursday, February 26, titled, “ISSUANCE OF REVISED TIMETABLE AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTION AND RESCHEDULING OF OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION,” the commission confirmed that it had approved and published a new schedule for the nationwide polls.

INEC had initially fixed Saturday, 20 February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, 6 March 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections under the Electoral Act, 2022.

However, following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities were adjusted. 

The commission said the development made it necessary to review and realign the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.

According to the revised timetable, Presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, 16 January 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on Saturday, 6 February 2027.

The original February and March dates had attracted criticism from some Muslim stakeholders, who argued that they coincided with the Ramadan period. The controversy prompted the Senate to amend Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days, thereby enabling INEC to adjust the dates.

INEC also outlined major milestones in the updated schedule.

The commission stated that the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the process, will begin on 23 April 2026 and end on 30 May 2026.

Campaign activities for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on 19 August 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will start on 9 September 2026.

“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” it added.

Preparatory activities are set to begin as early as 13 February 2026 with the issuance of the Notice of Election.

Full revised timetable with schedule of activities

1. Notice of Election

• 13 February 2026

2. Submission of Political Parties’ Register of Members to the Commission

• Commencement: 1 April 2026
• End: 21 April 2026

3. Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from the process

• Commencement: 23 April 2026
• End: 30 May 2026

4. Submission of Forms EC9 and EC9A, 9B, 9C, 9D & 9E online (Nomination Portal)

• Presidential & National Assembly: 9:00 AM, 27 June 2026 – 6:00 PM, 11 July 2026
• Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: 9:00 AM, 18 July 2026 – 6:00 PM, 8 August 2026

5. Publication of Personal Particulars of Candidates (EC9) by the Commission

• Presidential & National Assembly: 14 August 2026
• Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: 20 August 2026

6. Commencement of Campaign by Political Parties in public

• Presidential & National Assembly: 19 August 2026
• Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: 9 September 2026

7. Last day for withdrawal by candidate(s)/replacement of withdrawn candidate(s) by Political Parties

• Presidential & National Assembly: 22 August 2026
• Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: 19 September 2026

8. Last day for submission of Nomination Forms (EC13A, 13B, 13C, 13D & 13E) by Political Parties

• Presidential & National Assembly: 29 August 2026
• Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: 26 September 2026

9. Publication of final list of nominated candidates by the Commission

• Presidential & National Assembly: 12 September 2026
• Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: 10 October 2026

10. Last day for submission of names of Polling Agents to the Electoral Officer of the Local Government Area by Political Parties

• Presidential & National Assembly: 10 December 2026
• Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: 6 January 2027

11. Publication of the official Register of Voters by the Commission

• 15 December 2026

12. Publication of Notice of Poll by the Commission

• 29 December 2026

13. Last day for campaigns by Political Parties

• Presidential & National Assembly: 14 January 2027
• Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: 4 February 2027

14. Date of Election

• Presidential & National Assembly: 16 January 2027
• Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: 6 February 2027

The revised schedule effectively shifts the 2027 general elections earlier than initially planned, with INEC reaffirming its commitment to strict enforcement of all statutory timelines under the new Electoral Act, 2026.