Breaking: INEC moves 2027 presidential election to January, shifts Osun guber

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced a major overhaul of the timetable for Nigeria’s next general elections, moving the Presidential and National Assembly polls forward to Saturday, January 16, 2027.

The development follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which significantly alters the statutory timelines for the conduct of elections in the country.

In a statement issued late Thursday in Abuja, the Commission said the new legal framework made it necessary to review the election dates earlier announced.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that INEC had “reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework” introduced by the 2026 Act.

According to the revised timetable, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

This marks a clear departure from the Commission’s earlier plan, which had fixed the presidential election for late February and state elections for March.

The changes also affect off cycle elections. INEC confirmed that the Osun State Governorship Election has been shifted from August 8, 2026, to Saturday, August 15, 2026.

On preparations for the Ekiti and Osun polls, the Commission noted that although some activities have already been concluded, “the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.”

Beyond election days, the new schedule compresses the timeline for political parties. Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, are set to commence on April 23, 2026, and must be concluded by May 30, 2026.

The campaign period has also been clearly defined. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.

Haruna urged political actors to exercise restraint and discipline, warning that “political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines,” adding that “the Commission will enforce compliance with the law.”

He further clarified that all campaigns must end 24 hours before their respective election days, in line with the provisions of the new law.

INEC said the adjustments are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and the Electoral Act, 2026.

The Commission also called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.