Just In: INEC Shocks Nigeria, Reschedules 2027 Presidential Election As Political Parties Get New Window for Primaries

Just In: INEC Shocks Nigeria, Reschedules 2027 Presidential Election – See the New Dates

•••As Political parties get new window for primaries

Abuja, Nigeria — Eagles Sight News reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, adjusting the dates for the presidential, national assembly, governorship, and state assembly polls in line with the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.

According to a statement from Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the adjustments follow the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the introduction of new statutory timelines governing pre-election activities.

Under the revised calendar, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, 16 January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, 6 February 2027.

INEC also outlined the timeline for preparatory activities, stating that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will run from 23 April to 30 May 2026. This period is designed to give political parties adequate time to conduct internal elections, resolve conflicts, and submit candidate names ahead of the polls.

Official campaign periods will begin on 19 August 2026 for presidential and national assembly contests, and on 9 September 2026 for governorship and state assembly elections. All campaigning must end 24 hours before each respective election day, in compliance with the law.

Additionally, the Commission announced a minor adjustment to the Osun State Governorship election, moving it from 8 August 2026 to 15 August 2026. Remaining processes for this off-cycle poll will conform strictly to the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC emphasised that the revised timetable is fully consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026. The Commission urged political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, and security agencies to cooperate fully to ensure peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.