- Reschedules Osun guber poll
By Chesa Chesa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, citing the need to align with the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, and signed by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission announced that the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections have been rescheduled to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Assembly polls under the Electoral Act, 2022.
However, following the repeal of that law and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
Key milestones in the revised timetable show that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026. INEC reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, in line with the law, and warned that it would strictly enforce compliance.
The Commission stated that the revised timetable reflecting the adjustments has been published on its official website and other communication platforms.
Also, INEC announced that the Osun State Governorship Election, previously scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, has been moved to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The Commission noted that some activities concerning the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, but all outstanding processes will now proceed in strict accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC emphasized that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
It called on political parties, stakeholders, and citizens to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
