INEC Unveils Revised Timetable for 2027 General Elections
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections, outlining key dates for party primaries, submission of candidates’ nominations, election campaigns and the conduct of the polls.
According to the electoral timetable, political parties are expected to hold their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, to nominate candidates for various elective offices.
INEC said the submission of nomination forms for presidential and National Assembly candidates will take place from June 27 to July 11, 2026, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates will submit their nominations through the INEC nomination portal between July 18 and August 8, 2026.
The commission further announced that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, and end on January 14, 2027. Campaigns for governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled to run from September 9, 2026, to February 4, 2027.
INEC also fixed September 12, 2026, for the publication of the final list of nominated candidates for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while the final list for governorship and State Assembly candidates will be published on October 10, 2026.
Under the revised schedule, Nigerians will elect the President and members of the National Assembly on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027.
The commission explained that the revised timetable is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulates that election campaigns must commence at least 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before voting.
INEC urged political parties, candidates and all election stakeholders to comply with the timetable and other relevant provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure a smooth, peaceful and credible electoral process.
