INEC fixes 2027 presidential election for Jan 16, governorship for Feb 6
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the 2027 general election dates, moving presidential and National Assembly polls to Saturday, January 16, 2027, from the previous February 20 date. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now occur on February 6, 2027, instead of March 6. The revision follows the repeal of the 2022 Electoral Act and enactment of the 2026 Act, which updated pre-election timelines. Party primaries will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, with campaigns starting August 19 for presidential and National Assembly candidates, and September 9 for state-level races. The budget for the 2027 elections is N873.78 billion, significantly higher than the 2023 allocation. INEC stressed strict adherence to timelines and compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026.