FRI FEB 27 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria’s electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday issued a revised timetable for the 2027 General Elections following widespread objection that trailed its earlier schedule.
The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022.
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:
1. Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027.
2. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027.
Key Milestones in the Timetable
In accordance with the approved Schedule of Activities:
-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.
As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law.
The move signals a recalibration by the commission amid concerns from political parties, religious groups, and other stakeholders over sequencing and timelines.
The revised timetable is expected to reset political calculations across the country, as parties fine-tune their strategies in line with the new dates.
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
