The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, moving key poll dates earlier following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
Under the previous schedule, INEC had fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were slated for Saturday, March 6, 2027.
However, the original dates drew objections from some Muslim stakeholders who argued that the February timeline coincided with the Ramadan fasting period, potentially affecting voter participation and election logistics.
In response, the Senate amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days. The adjustment provided the commission with the legal backing to review and alter the previously announced dates.
The revised timetable, published on INEC’s official X handle on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, now schedules the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027.
The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been rescheduled to February 6, 2027.
According to the new schedule, preparatory activities for the 2027 polls will commence as early as April 1, 2026, marking the beginning of a series of administrative and political processes leading up to the elections.
The adjustment signals INEC’s effort to align the electoral calendar with legislative changes while addressing concerns raised by critical stakeholders, as political parties and aspirants begin early preparations for what is expected to be a highly contested general election cycle.
