Following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the subsequent enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections. The new legal framework introduced significant adjustments to statutory timelines for pre election activities, requiring the commission to realign its previous schedule.
In a statement released on February 26, 2026, INEC confirmed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027. The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled to follow on Saturday, February 6, 2027. This represents a slight shift from the earlier projected dates to ensure full compliance with the updated election laws.
The commission also outlined several key milestones for the year 2026. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Official campaigns for the federal elections are slated to begin on August 19, 2026, while state level campaigns will start on September 9, 2026. INEC has urged all political stakeholders to strictly adhere to these new timelines, as the commission intends to enforce the 2026 Act rigorously to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
