INEC Releases Revised Timetable For 2027 General Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a revised timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, bringing forward key dates following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

Under the previous schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly elections were set for Saturday, February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were to hold on Saturday, March 6, 2027. However, the dates drew objections from some Muslim stakeholders, who noted that they coincided with the Ramadan period.

In response, the Senate amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days. This adjustment enabled INEC to reschedule the polls.

The updated timetable, published on INEC’s official X handle on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, now fixes the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for February 6, 2027. Preparatory activities are scheduled to commence as early as April 1, 2026.

Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities

1. Notice of Election
   February 13, 2026

2. Submission of Political Parties’ Register of Members to the Commission
   April 1 – April 21, 2026

3. Conduct of Party Primaries (including dispute resolution)
   April 23 – May 30, 2026

4. Submission of Nomination Forms (EC9 series) via Online Portal

   • Presidential & National Assembly: June 27 – July 11, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

   • Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: July 18 – August 8, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

5. Publication of Candidates’ Personal Particulars (EC9)

   • Presidential & National Assembly: August 14, 2026

   • Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: August 20, 2026

6. Commencement of Public Campaigns by Political Parties

   • Presidential & National Assembly: August 19, 2026

   • Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: September 9, 2026

7. Deadline for Withdrawal/Replacement of Candidates

   • Presidential & National Assembly: August 22, 2026

   • Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: September 19, 2026

8. Final Submission of Nomination Forms (EC13 series)

   • Presidential & National Assembly: August 29, 2026

   • Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: September 26, 2026

9. Publication of Final List of Nominated Candidates

   • Presidential & National Assembly: September 12, 2026

   • Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: October 10, 2026

10. Submission of Polling Agents’ Names to Electoral Officers (LGA level)

    • Presidential & National Assembly: December 10, 2026

    • Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: January 6, 2027

11. Publication of Official Register of Voters
    December 15, 2026

12. Publication of Notice of Poll
    December 29, 2026

13. Last Day for Campaigns

    • Presidential & National Assembly: January 14, 2027

    • Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: February 4, 2027

14. Election Dates

    • Presidential & National Assembly: January 16, 2027

    • Governorship & State Houses of Assembly: February 6, 2027

The revised schedule outlines a comprehensive roadmap for political parties and stakeholders as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.