The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced a revised timetable for Nigeria's 2027 general elections, setting Saturday, January 16, 2027, as the new date for the presidential and National Assembly elections. The governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been rescheduled to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
This adjustment was detailed in a statement released on Thursday, February 26, 2026, by the commission's National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna. The statement emphasized that the changes were necessitated by the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the subsequent enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced modifications to statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities. These alterations made the previously announced schedule incompatible with the new legal framework, prompting INEC to review and realign its calendar to ensure full compliance.
Prior to this revision, INEC had fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly polls, with the governorship and state assembly elections slated for Saturday, March 6, 2027. That initial timetable was released in mid-February 2026, shortly after INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan announced the notice of election, aligning with the requirements of the then-applicable Electoral Act, 2022.
The shift to earlier dates marks a significant development in Nigeria's electoral planning. The January 16, 2027, date for the presidential election represents one of the earliest polling days in the country's post-1999 democratic era, moving the process forward by over a month from the original plan. Preparatory activities under the revised timetable are set to commence as early as April 1, 2026, with political parties conducting primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, including mechanisms for resolving disputes arising from those exercises. Other key milestones include party nominations, campaign periods, and the mandatory 24-hour cessation of campaigns before election day, consistent with provisions carried over from previous legislation.
The revision follows closely on the heels of legislative action on the electoral framework. The National Assembly passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 during an emergency plenary session in mid-February 2026. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the bill on February 18, 2026, bringing the new law into effect almost immediately. Reports indicate that the 2026 Act reduced certain notification periods—for instance, adjusting the required advance notice for elections from 360 days under the 2022 Act to 300 days—while retaining core elements such as the prohibition on campaigning within 24 hours of polling. Some provisions in the new act, including restrictions on party primaries to direct or consensus methods only, have drawn criticism from opposition figures who described aspects of the legislation as restrictive or anti-democratic, prompting calls for further amendments.
The earlier February 20, 2027, date had generated notable public debate, particularly regarding its alignment with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Projected to span approximately February 7 to March 8, 2027, Ramadan involves daytime fasting, increased spiritual activities, and heightened communal focus for millions of Nigerian Muslims. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a prominent opposition leader, publicly urged INEC to reconsider the original timetable, arguing that holding elections during this period could impair voter turnout, physical participation, and overall national engagement.
In his statement, Atiku described elections as "national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus," stressing the need for sensitivity to Nigeria's religious diversity. He warned that the timing risked alienating a significant portion of the electorate in a multi-faith society. While the initial timetable complied with constitutional and statutory mandates at the time, the controversy highlighted broader concerns about inclusivity in electoral scheduling.
INEC's decision to advance the dates to January 16 effectively avoids any overlap with Ramadan for the presidential and National Assembly polls, and places the subsequent governorship elections in early February, before the fasting period intensifies for many observers. This move has been interpreted by some analysts as responsive to socio-religious considerations, even as the commission officially attributes the change primarily to the legal imperatives of the new Electoral Act.
The announcement underscores INEC's commitment to adapting its processes to evolving legal requirements while upholding the principles of free, fair, and credible elections as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The commission has assured stakeholders that the revised schedule remains fully consistent with constitutional provisions governing the tenure of elected officials and the timing of elections.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 polls—the third general election cycle under the Fourth Republic—this timetable revision sets the stage for intensified political activities starting in 2026. Political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, and voters will now operate under clearer timelines for registration updates, candidate nominations, and campaigns. The earlier polling dates may also influence logistical planning, including security arrangements, voter education drives, and the deployment of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) technology, which has become central to INEC's efforts to enhance transparency since its introduction.
Observers note that while the new dates resolve immediate legal and seasonal conflicts, ongoing discussions about the Electoral Act 2026's broader implications—such as primary methods and funding regulations—could shape the electoral landscape further. Opposition parties have continued to advocate for refinements to ensure the framework promotes wider participation and competitiveness.
INEC's proactive adjustment demonstrates institutional responsiveness in a dynamic political environment. With detailed schedules now public, attention shifts to implementation, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring that the 2027 elections reflect the will of Nigerians in a peaceful and inclusive manner.
