Revised timetable, schedule for 2027 general elections

Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, shifting key poll dates earlier following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

INEC previously scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for Saturday, March 6, 2027.

The original schedule was rejected by some Muslim stakeholders, who argued that the dates coincided with the Ramadan period.

This prompted the Senate to amend Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days, thereby enabling INEC to change the dates.

The revised timetable, published by INEC via its X handle on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, now puts the Presidential & National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, and the Governorship & State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027.

Other preparatory activities for the elections are scheduled to start as early as 1st April 2026. Punch