Breaking: INEC Announces New Dates for 2027 General Election, Reschedules Osun Governorship Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 general election and adjusted the schedule for the 2026 Osun State governorship election following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued late Thursday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to the revised timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The adjustment follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022, which previously guided electoral timelines, and the introduction of new statutory provisions under the 2026 law.

The commission explained that the review was necessary to ensure compliance with the updated legal framework governing pre-election and electoral activities.

Under the new schedule, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

Presidential and National Assembly election campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.

INEC reiterated that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and urged political parties to strictly adhere to the approved timelines, warning that the commission would enforce compliance.

The commission also confirmed that preparations for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already begun but stated that outstanding activities would now be conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC stressed that the revised timetable aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and called on political parties and stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.

“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission said, urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral process.