By Bola Akinwande
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, bringing forward key dates following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
Under the new schedule signed by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
The elections were earlier fixed for February 20 and March 6, 2027, respectively.
The adjustment follows concerns raised by Muslim stakeholders that the initial dates coincided with the Ramadan period.
An amendment by the Senate reducing the mandatory notice period from 360 days to 300 days enabled the electoral body to effect the changes.
According to the timetable, preparatory activities will commence on February 13, 2026, with the issuance of Notice of Election.
Political parties are expected to submit their membership registers between April 1 and April 21, 2026, while party primaries will hold from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Submission of nomination forms for Presidential and National Assembly candidates is scheduled for June 27 to July 11, 2026, and July 18 to August 8, 2026, for Governorship and State Assembly candidates.
Campaigns will begin on August 19, 2026, for Presidential and National Assembly polls, and September 9, 2026, for Governorship and State Assembly elections.
INEC will publish the final list of nominated candidates by September 12, 2026, for Presidential and National Assembly elections and October 10, 2026, for Governorship and State Assembly contests.
Campaigns are to end on January 14, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly polls and February 4, 2027, for Governorship and State Assembly elections.
The Commission says the revised timetable is aimed at ensuring adequate preparation while addressing stakeholder concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
