By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement issued on February 26, 2026, by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the adjustment became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the introduction of new statutory timelines under the 2026 Act.
INEC had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly Elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections for March 6, 2027. However, the new legal framework required a realignment of activities.
New Election Dates
Under the revised schedule:
Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Party primaries, including dispute resolution, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly Elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day,” the Commission stated, warning political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines.
INEC confirmed that the full timetable has been uploaded to its official website and communication platforms for public access.
Osun Governorship Election Rescheduled
The Commission also rescheduled the Osun State Governorship Election from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
While certain activities concerning Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, INEC noted that remaining processes would strictly comply with the Electoral Act, 2026, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Reaffirming its commitment to credible polls, the Commission described the successful conduct of forthcoming elections as a collective responsibility and called on stakeholders to ensure peaceful and inclusive participation.
UN Commends INEC Over FCT Area Council Election
Meanwhile, the United Nations has applauded INEC for the successful conduct of the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election and constituency polls in parts of the country.
Leading a UN delegation to INEC headquarters in Abuja, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed M. Fall, congratulated the Commission, describing the exercise as a critical test successfully passed.
“We have been watching. It was a test, but a very successful one, and I want to congratulate you,” he said.
The polls were conducted across the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory and in constituencies in Kano and Rivers States.
Receiving the delegation, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, expressed appreciation for the UN’s longstanding partnership since 1999.
He reiterated that the Commission’s constitutional mandate covers elections into the offices of the President, Vice President, National Assembly members, Governors, Deputy Governors, State Houses of Assembly, and FCT Area Council officials.
“Our mandate is constitutional and sacred. We cannot afford to fail our people. Every election must be better than the last,” he stated.
Strengthening Electoral Integrity
Prof. Amupitan acknowledged persistent challenges such as voter apathy, insecurity, misinformation and disinformation, noting that false narratives pose risks to institutional credibility.
He disclosed that INEC is strengthening safeguards around its result transmission systems, cleaning up the voters’ register by removing deceased persons and duplicates, and enhancing electoral data systems to improve transparency and public trust.
Also speaking, UN Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to deepen collaboration, noting that the UN supports approximately 60 elections globally each year.
The visit underscored the enduring partnership between INEC and the United Nations, anchored on promoting credible, inclusive and transparent democratic processes in Nigeria.
