The Independent National Electoral Commission fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and national assembly elections. Officials also set February 6, 2027, for governorship and state houses of assembly polls. This change shifted the original dates from February 20 and March 6, 2027, respectively.
Mohammed Haruna, national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, issued a statement on the matter.
Haruna stated: “Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows: Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027.”
Reasons for the Adjustment
Lawmakers repealed the Electoral Act 2022 and enacted the Electoral Act 2026. This new law altered statutory timelines for elections. As a result, INEC reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure compliance.
Haruna explained: “The adjustment is a direct consequence of the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the subsequent enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which has fundamentally altered the statutory timelines governing Nigerian elections.”
Furthermore, he emphasized that the changes aligned with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
Impact on Other Polls
The revision affected off-cycle elections. INEC rescheduled the Osun state governorship election from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026.
Haruna explained: “The adjustment is a direct consequence of the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the subsequent enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which has fundamentally altered the statutory timelines governing Nigerian elections.”
Key Pre-Election Activities
Party primaries, including dispute resolutions, ran from April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026. Presidential campaigns started on August 19, 2026, while governorship campaigns began on September 9, 2026.
All campaigns ended 24 hours before election days. Haruna warned: “The Commission will enforce compliance with the law.” He urged stakeholders to cooperate for peaceful elections.
