By Soji Bamidele

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, following sweeping changes introduced by the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.
The electoral umpire announced the adjustment on Thursday night in Abuja, explaining that the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and its replacement with the Electoral Act 2026 necessitated a comprehensive overhaul of the previously released timetable.
In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said it had “reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.”
Under the revised timetable, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now be held on February 6, 2027 — marking a significant shift from the earlier plan that slated presidential elections for late February and state polls for March.
The shake-up also affects off-cycle elections. INEC confirmed that the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier scheduled for August 8, 2026, has been moved by one week to August 15, 2026.
Clarifying preparations for Ekiti and Osun states, Malam Haruna noted that while some preliminary activities have been concluded, “the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.”
Political parties now face a compressed schedule. Party primaries, including dispute resolution processes, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaign timelines have equally been defined: Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
INEC warned political parties to strictly comply with the revised timetable, stressing that the Commission would enforce adherence to the law. It also reiterated that all campaigns must end exactly 24 hours before election day, as stipulated by statute.
The Commission maintained that the adjustments are in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
Calling for cooperation from political actors, stakeholders and citizens, INEC urged Nigerians to work collectively toward peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people.