INEC fixes January 16, 2027 for Presidential election

By Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 16, 2027, as the new date for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

INEC also announced a new date of February 6, 2027, for the Governorship and state houses of assembly election.

Mohammed Haruna, national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, announced the new election timetable on Thursday via a statement.

The Presidential and National Assembly elections had been scheduled for February 20, 2027, and March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and state houses of assembly elections. The electoral body was forced to review the schedule following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Some Muslims had also raised voices against the previous date, stating that it would clash with their fasting period in 2027, which they claimed would impede participation.

Haruna said the Electoral Act, 2026, introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, adding that the commission reviewed and realigned the earlier released schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.

“Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows: Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027,” the statement reads.

The national commissioner said in accordance with the approved schedule of activities, conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.

He said presidential and national assembly campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state houses of assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.

“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” he said.

“The revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, reflecting these adjustments, have been issued and can be accessed on the Commission’s official website and other official communication platforms.”

The Osun State governorship election, earlier fixed for August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to August 15, 2026.

“The commission notes that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted. However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026,” he said.

Photo: INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan