INEC Shifts 2027 Presidential Election to January 16 After New Electoral Act

February 27, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled Nigeria’s 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, following a revision of the country’s electoral timetable in line with the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.

The electoral umpire also fixed February 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections across the federation.

INEC disclosed the changes in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

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According to the commission, the adjustment became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities.

The commission had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and state assembly polls for March 6, 2027, before the latest review.

The previous February 20 date had generated public debate after former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, urged INEC to reconsider the timetable, noting that it coincided with the Ramadan fasting period observed by millions of Nigerian Muslims.

Atiku had warned that conducting elections during Ramadan could negatively impact voter participation and national engagement, describing the timing as insensitive to Nigeria’s socio-religious realities.

“Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus,” he had said at the time, stressing the need for inclusive planning in a religiously diverse country.

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In the revised timetable released on Thursday, INEC announced that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.

The commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, warning that it would strictly enforce compliance with the law.

INEC further announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026, to align with the new legal framework. It noted that while some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, the remaining processes would be implemented in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.

The commission stated that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, and called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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