The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, fixing January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly polls.
The commission also announced that February 6, 2027, will now hold the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections across the country.
The new timetable was disclosed on Thursday by Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, in an official statement.
Why the Shift?
INEC had earlier slated the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls were scheduled for March 6, 2027.
However, the commission said it was compelled to adjust the schedule following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced new legal and administrative frameworks guiding the conduct of elections.
According to the commission, aligning the electoral calendar with the provisions of the new law became necessary to ensure compliance, adequate preparation, and seamless implementation of reforms embedded in the 2026 legislation.
Implications for Political Parties
The revised dates effectively shorten the timeline for political parties, aspirants, and stakeholders preparing for the 2027 race. Parties are now expected to recalibrate their primary elections, campaign strategies, and logistics to meet the updated electoral window.
Political observers say the earlier schedule may also intensify early mobilization efforts, fundraising drives, and coalition talks among major contenders ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested general election.
INEC Assures Readiness
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections under the new legal framework. The commission urged political actors and the electorate to take note of the revised timetable and cooperate to ensure a smooth electoral process.
With the 2027 general election cycle officially recalibrated, attention now shifts to how political parties and key stakeholders will navigate the compressed timeline under the new Electoral Act regime.