The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally revised the timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, advancing the dates for the presidential and National Assembly polls to Saturday, January 16, 2027, and for governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections to Saturday, February 6, 2027, reflecting adjustments required under the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.
The changes come after President Bola Tinubu signed the amended electoral law, repealing the 2022 Act, which altered statutory timelines for election activities and compelled the commission to align its schedule accordingly.
Under the revised timetable, party primaries and dispute resolution are scheduled from April 23 to May 30, 2026, with presidential and National Assembly campaigns beginning August 19, 2026 and governorship/state assembly campaigns starting September 9, 2026, and all campaigns ending 24 hours before their respective election days.
Don’t Miss This:Ex-INEC Official Raises Concerns Over 2026 Electoral Act, Warns Of Operational Risks
INEC also adjusted off-cycle polls, including shifting the Osun State governorship contest to August 15, 2026. The commission said the revised calendar is accessible on its official platforms and urged compliance from political actors.
The timetable adjustment follows public disquiet and pressure from Muslim groups after the initial schedule February 20, 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6, 2027 for governorship and assembly polls was widely criticised for overlapping with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins in late February/early March 2027.
That clash sparked widespread objections from religious and civil society stakeholders, intensifying calls for the electoral body and the National Assembly to revisit the dates to avoid disenfranchisement of Muslim voters.
Leaders of major opposition parties have also voiced strong criticism of the recent Electoral Act, 2026, labelling it anti-democratic and calling on the National Assembly to undertake fresh amendments.
They argue the provisions weaken electoral integrity and limit meaningful reform ahead of the polls, with protests and demonstrations reported in Abuja and other centres as lawmakers debated the contentious legislation.
Don’t Miss This: Ex-INEC Official Raises Concerns Over 2026 Electoral Act, Warns Of Operational Risks
The Senate, however, has so far rejected calls for further revision, urging aggrieved parties to pursue concerns through legislative processes.
Image Credit : The Guardian
Source: The Guardian
