From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, fixing January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will now hold on February 6, 2027.
The Commission announced the development in a revised election timetable signed by its former Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, stating that the adjustment was made to align the electoral process with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, and relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
INEC explained that the revised dates comply with constitutional requirements which mandate that elections be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of elected office holders.
The staggered arrangement maintains Nigeria’s established practice of conducting presidential and National Assembly elections ahead of governorship and state legislative polls.
According to the timetable, the Commission had earlier issued the Notice of Election on February 13, 2026, in compliance with statutory provisions requiring the notice to be released at least 300 days before election day under the Electoral Act, 2026.
The schedule outlines critical pre-election activities, including the submission of political parties’ registers of members, which commenced on April 1 and ended on April 21, 2026.
Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, were slated between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
INEC further indicated that the final list of nominated candidates for Presidential and National Assembly elections will be published on September 12, 2026, while the list for governorship and state assembly elections will be released on October 10, 2026.
Political parties are expected to submit the names of their polling agents by December 10, 2026, for the presidential and National Assembly elections and by January 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls.
The official Register of Voters will be published on December 15, 2026, followed by the publication of the Notice of Poll on December 29, 2026.
Campaign activities by political parties will end on January 14, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections and on February 4, 2027, for governorship and state assembly elections, in line with legal provisions requiring campaigns to stop 24 hours before polling day.
INEC said the revised timetable is intended to provide clarity for political parties, candidates, and stakeholders while ensuring full compliance with existing electoral laws ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and peaceful elections, urging all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the approved schedule.
