The Independent National Electoral Commission has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, bringing forward key dates following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
Under the earlier schedule, INEC had fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were slated for Saturday, March 6, 2027.
However, the initial dates drew objections from some Muslim stakeholders, who noted that they coincided with the Ramadan fasting period.
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 created room for INEC to review and shift the election dates.
In the revised timetable published on its official X handle on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, the Commission rescheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now hold on February 6, 2027.
The Commission also indicated that preparatory activities for the polls will commence as early as April 1, 2026, marking the formal start of the 2027 electoral cycle.
