By Amah
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Nigeria’s march toward the 2027 general elections has taken a decisive turn, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unveiling a sweeping revision of the electoral timetable that shifts the presidential contest to January 16, 2027.
The announcement, made Thursday night in Abuja, follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, a legislative overhaul that has recalibrated statutory timelines governing party primaries, campaigns, and election administration.
INEC said the changes were necessitated by the new legal framework, which compelled the Commission to realign previously announced dates.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that the revised schedule ensures full compliance with the 2026 Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Under the new arrangement:
- Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
- Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The dates mark a notable departure from Nigeria’s recent electoral tradition, where presidential elections typically take place in late February, followed by state-level polls in March.
The recalibration has also affected off-cycle elections. The Osun State governorship election, earlier scheduled for August 8, 2026, has been moved to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
INEC clarified that while certain preparatory activities for Ekiti and Osun have already been concluded, all remaining processes will strictly align with the provisions of the 2026 Act.
Political parties now face a compressed and clearly defined schedule.
- Party primaries and dispute resolution: April 23 – May 30, 2026
- Presidential and National Assembly campaigns: Begin August 19, 2026
- Governorship and State Assembly campaigns: Begin September 9, 2026
All campaign activities must cease 24 hours before election day, in strict adherence to the law.
INEC urged political actors to comply rigorously with the revised timetable, stressing that enforcement will be firm and impartial.
The Commission described the adjustments as consistent with constitutional provisions and essential to safeguarding electoral integrity under the new legal regime.
As Nigeria prepares for what promises to be a pivotal election cycle, the January presidential poll sets the stage for an unusually early national contest, one that will test party machinery, voter readiness, and institutional discipline in equal measure.
