The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 General Election, bringing forward the presidential and National Assembly polls.

Under the new schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

The revised timetable was issued on Thursday in Abuja and signed by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

INEC had previously fixed the national elections for February 20, 2027, and state polls for March 6, 2027. The earlier dates were announced in February pursuant to the Electoral Act 2022.

Addressing journalists, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

Haruna explained that the new law altered key statutory timelines, prompting the Commission to review and realign its activities to ensure full compliance with the revised legal framework.

“Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows: Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.

“Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027,” he said.

He stated that party primaries, including dispute resolution, would begin on April 23 and end on May 30, 2026, while submission of party membership registers would take place between April 1 and April 21, 2026.

Nomination forms for presidential and National Assembly candidates will be submitted from June 27 to July 11, 2026, while governorship and State Assembly nomination forms will be accepted from July 18 to August 8, 2026.

INEC will publish particulars of nominated national candidates on August 1, 2026, and those of state candidates on August 29, 2026.

The deadline for withdrawal or replacement of national candidates is August 22, 2026, while that for governorship and State Assembly elections is September 19, 2026.

The final list of national candidates will be published on September 12, 2026, and that of state candidates on October 10, 2026.

“Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will begin on August 19, 2026. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026. As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before election day,” Haruna said.

He urged political parties to adhere strictly to the timetable, warning that INEC would enforce compliance. The revised schedule is available on the Commission’s official website and other communication platforms.

INEC also rescheduled the Osun Governorship Election from August 8 to August 15, 2026.

“The Commission notes that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted.

“However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026,” Haruna said.

He added that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Haruna described the successful conduct of the elections as a collective responsibility and called on stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive polls that reflect the sovereign will of Nigerians.