The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Saturday January 16, 2027 as the new date for the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria, the electoral body said in a statement on Thursday.

INEC’s revised timetable also sets Saturday February 6, 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, the statement added. The adjustment follows changes introduced by the recently enacted Electoral Act, 2026, which modified statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.

Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, explained that the commission initially set February 20, 2027 as the date for the presidential and National Assembly polls under the old Electoral Act, 2022, but stakeholders raised concerns about how that calendar conflicted with religious observances and legal requirements. INEC reviewed the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework and avoid clashes with the expected start of Ramadan next year.

Under the revised timetable, party primaries and resolution of disputes arising from them will be conducted between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while presidential and National Assembly campaigns are scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026. Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will start on September 9, 2026.

INEC urged political parties, candidates and voters to take note of the updated schedule and ensure preparations align with the new calendar. The commission said all campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day in line with legal requirements.

The new election dates mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral calendar and are intended to give electoral stakeholders time to organise effectively ahead of the 2027 general polls.