The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says political parties will commence primaries for the 2027 general election on April 23, 2026, following the release of a revised timetable and schedule of activities.
INEC said the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises, will end on May 30, 2026, in line with adjustments introduced by the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement signed by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, the commission said the revised timetable became necessary following changes to the country’s electoral legal framework.
The commission had earlier fixed February 20, 2027 for the presidential and national assembly elections, and March 6, 2027 for governorship and state houses of assembly polls. However, the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of a new law necessitated a realignment of key electoral activities.
Under the revised schedule, presidential and national assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state houses of assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
INEC said campaigns for presidential and national assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.
The commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, as stipulated by law, and warned that it will strictly enforce compliance with the approved timelines.
INEC said the revised timetable reflects full compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The updated schedule has been published on the commission’s official website and other communication platforms.
In a related development, the commission rescheduled the Osun state governorship election from August 8, 2026 to August 15, 2026.
INEC noted that some activities concerning the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted and said outstanding processes will proceed in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026. It called on political parties and other stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
