WHY INEC SHIFTED ELECTION DATE
Oru Leonard
Abuja, February 26, 2026 — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has explained that its decision to shift the dates for the 2027 General Election was necessitated by recent changes in Nigeria’s electoral laws.
According to the Commission, the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines governing pre-election processes and other electoral activities.
In a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the earlier dates had been fixed in line with the 2022 law. However, with the coming into force of the Electoral Act, 2026, the Commission was required to realign the timetable to ensure full legal compliance.
Legal Compliance Behind the Shift
INEC stated that the revised schedule is designed to conform strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The Commission emphasized that electoral timelines are statutory and must reflect the requirements set out in the prevailing legal framework. As a result, it reviewed and approved new dates for the conduct of the elections.
Under the revised timetable:
Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, instead of February 20, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027, instead of March 6, 2027.
Impact on Political Parties and Campaigns
The new law also affects key pre-election activities, including party primaries and campaign periods.
Party primaries, along with the resolution of disputes arising from them, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
INEC stressed that campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, in accordance with the law, and warned political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines. The Commission said it would enforce compliance to ensure orderliness and credibility in the electoral process.
As part of the adjustments, INEC also rescheduled the Osun State Governorship Election from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026.
The Commission noted that although some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, the remaining processes would now align fully with the Electoral Act, 2026.
Commitment to Credible Polls
INEC reiterated that the successful conduct of the 2027 General Election remains a collective responsibility. It called on political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, the media, and voters to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.
By shifting the dates, the Commission maintained that it is safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that every stage of the election complies strictly with the law.
