INEC revises 2027 election dates after Ramadan clash

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially adjusted Nigeria’s 2027 electoral timetable, moving the presidential and governorship polls to accommodate religious observances.

The announcement follows the signing of the Electoral Act 2026 by President Bola Tinubu, replacing the previous 2022 Act.

“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,” said Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

“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.”

New poll dates and key milestones

Under the revised calendar, presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections are set for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

The Commission also outlined the preparatory timeline, including party primaries from April 23 to May 30, 2026, presidential and NASS campaigns starting August 19, and governorship campaigns beginning September 9.

Ensuring peaceful, credible elections

Haruna emphasised the importance of collaboration for a smooth election process: “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.”

With a clear legal framework and revised calendar, political parties and voters now have a roadmap for what promises to be a decisive 2027 electoral cycle.

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