Dare Babalola
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed January 16, 2027, as the new date for the presidential and national assembly elections.
The commission also fixed February 6, 2027, as the new date for governorship and state houses of assembly election.
The electoral body had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and national assembly elections and March 6, 2027, for the governorship and state houses of assembly elections but was forced to review the schedule following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The development was announced in a statement signed on Thursday by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of the electoral body.
The statement read, “Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.
“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.”
In addition, the statement noted that, “Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026.
“Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026.
“Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026.”
In addition, INEC noted that the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026.
The Commission noted that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted.
However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC urged all political parties to adhere to the revised timetable.
