By Emmanuel Ukudolo I Friday, Feb.27.26
ABUJA – Nigeria’s electoral watchdog has announced a significant shift in the timeline for the 2027 General Election, pulling the dates forward to comply with a newly enacted legal framework.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed yesterday that the Presidential and National Assembly elections, originally slated for late February, will now take place on Saturday, 16th January 2027.
The Commission’s decision follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the introduction of the Electoral Act 2026.
This new legislation has significantly altered the statutory timelines for pre-election activities, forcing a total realignment of the national voting calendar.
Under the revised schedule, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have also been moved forward to Saturday, 6th February 2027, a month earlier than the previous March date.
”The Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” INEC stated in an official release.
The race for the presidency will officially heat up in early 2026.
According to the new milestones:
Party Primaries: April 23, 2026 – May 30, 2026
Presidential Campaigns Begin: August 19, 2026
State-Level Campaigns Begin: September 9, 2026
The Commission issued a stern warning to political parties, noting that campaigns must end exactly 24 hours before polling day.
INEC officials emphasized that they will strictly enforce compliance with these new windows.
In a simultaneous move, the Commission also confirmed the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election, ensuring it fits within the updated national window.
The primary driver of this change is the Electoral Act 2026. This legislation was fast-tracked by the National Assembly to address gaps in the 2022 Act.
Notably, it aims to provide more time for the resolution of legal disputes before winners are sworn into office.
By moving the elections to January, the Nigerian judicial system gains an extra month to conclude all “pre-election” and “election petition” cases before the May 29 inauguration date.
Osun State is one of Nigeria’s “off-cycle” election states. Its governorship seat is highly contested, and its timing often serves as a barometer for national political sentiment.
Rescheduling the Osun vote ensures that the state’s electoral cycle remains synchronized with the broader federal timelines mandated by the new 2026 law.
This revised timetable marks one of the first major strategic moves under the leadership of the current INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), who took office in late 2025.
His administration has signaled a focus on strict legal adherence and early preparation to avoid the logistical hiccups that have shadowed previous Nigerian elections.
