The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, announcing new dates for the presidential, governorship and legislative polls in line with the Electoral Act, 2026.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the adjustments followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the introduction of fresh statutory timelines under the new law.

Haruna recalled that the Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” he said.

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 are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

INEC also outlined key milestones ahead of the polls, announcing that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates are to commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns 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 warned.

The Commission added that the revised timetable is consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, noting that the full schedule has been published on its official platforms.

INEC also announced a minor adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, shifting the poll from August 8 to August 15, 2026.

It explained that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been concluded, all outstanding processes would now strictly follow the provisions of the new Electoral Act.

Haruna stressed that the success of the forthcoming elections would depend on collective responsibility, calling on political parties, candidates and voters to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive polls.

The revision comes days after President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law, following its passage by the National Assembly.

With the new electoral calendar in place, stakeholders are expected to adjust their plans as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections under an amended legal framework.