INEC releases revised timetable for 2027 general election, shifts Osun poll to Aug 15
pannigeriannews
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, announcing new dates for presidential, legislative and state polls following recent changes to Nigeria’s electoral law.
In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, on Thursday, the commission said the adjustments became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of a new Electoral Act in 2026, which altered statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral processes.
“The Commission has approved and issued a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election,” the statement reads, noting that the review was to ensure “full compliance with the new legal framework.”
Under the new schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027, instead of February 20, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have also been moved forward to Saturday, February 6, 2027, from the earlier date of March 6, 2027.
INEC outlined major milestones leading to the elections, stating that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly positions will begin on August 19, 2026, while those for governorship and state assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day,” the commission said, advising political parties to “adhere strictly to these timelines” while warning that it would enforce compliance.
INEC also announced that the governorship election in Osun State has been shifted from August 8, 2026 to August 15, 2026.
The commission explained that although some preparatory activities for the elections in Osun and Ekiti State had already been completed, “the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.”
INEC said the revised dates are consistent with the constitution and the new electoral law, stressing that the success of the polls depends on collective responsibility.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission said, calling on stakeholders to ensure “peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”
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