INEC shifts 2027 presidential poll to January, moves Osun gov election
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major revision of the timetable for the 2027 general elections, moving the Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027, instead of the previously announced February 20 date.
The change follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which significantly alters the legal timelines guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
TheNiche had exclusively reported on February 13 that following concerns from Northern Muslim leaders urging a change to the timetable for presidential and governorship elections due to its overlap with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, INEC was set to tinker with the dates barely 24 hours after rolling out the 2027 general election time table.
In a statement issued late Thursday night in Abuja, the Commission said the new law made it necessary to review the election schedule earlier released to the public.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission has now “reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework” introduced by the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the updated timetable, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The new dates mark a clear departure from INEC’s initial plan, which had placed the presidential election in late February and state-level elections in March.
The revised calendar has also affected off-cycle elections. INEC confirmed that the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier scheduled for August 8, 2026, has been shifted to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
On preparations for the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls, the Commission said that although some activities have already been completed, “the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.”
The new timetable also shortens the window for political parties. Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, are expected to commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude by May 30, 2026.
INEC further outlined the official campaign periods, stating that campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns will start on September 9, 2026.
Haruna stressed the importance of strict compliance by political parties, warning that “political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines,” adding that “the Commission will enforce compliance with the law.”
He also noted that all campaigns must end exactly 24 hours before their respective election days, in line with the provisions of the new law.
INEC said the changes are “consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.” The Commission urged political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of the 2027 polls, calling on them to “cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”
 has announced a major revision of the timetable for the 2027 general elections, moving the Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027, instead of the previously announced February 20 date.){kind=link}