INEC Releases 2027 General Election Timetable, Reschedules Osun Governorship Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, following recent changes to the country’s electoral law.
In a statement issued on February 26, 2026, the Commission said the adjustment became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced new timelines for pre-election and electoral activities.
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 polls will now hold on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections have been moved to February 6, 2027.
The Commission announced 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 elections are set to begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026. Campaign activities are expected to end 24 hours before election day, in line with the law.
INEC urged political parties to strictly comply with the approved timelines, warning that it will enforce adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Governorship Election earlier fixed for August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to August 15, 2026. The Commission noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, outstanding processes will align with the new Electoral Act.
INEC reaffirmed that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, and called on stakeholders to support efforts toward peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.