RAMADAN: INEC revises 2027 election timetable, shifts presidential poll to January 16
By KEMI KASUMU
The earlier schedule drew criticism from several Nigerians, mainly groups of Muslims and politicians, who observed that the proposed dates coincided with Ramadan, the Islamic fasting period.
The (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, moving the presidential and governorship polls to new dates in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement issued Thursday February 26, 2026 by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of a new legal framework that introduced fresh statutory timelines.
INEC had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027.
However, under the revised timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been rescheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Haruna said the Commission reviewed and realigned its schedule to ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026, and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Party primaries, campaign timelines
According to the new schedule, political party primaries — including the resolution of disputes arising from them — will take place from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will commence on August 19, 2026, while those for governorship and state assembly candidates will begin on September 9, 2026.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” Haruna stated.
INEC said the revised timetable has been published on its official platforms.
Osun governorship poll adjusted
The Commission also announced a minor change to the governorship election, shifting it from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
INEC noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all outstanding processes would align strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Reaction to earlier dates
The revision comes 13 days after INEC initially announced the 2027 general election dates on February 13, 2026.
The earlier schedule drew criticism from several Nigerians, mainly groups of Muslims and politicians, who observed that the proposed dates coincided with Ramadan, the Islamic fasting period.
The change also follows the signing into law of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 by President , after its passage by the National Assembly.
Haruna emphasised that the successful conduct of the 2027 elections would require collective effort.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he said.
The revised timetable marks one of the earliest major administrative steps under the new electoral framework as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
