INEC Schedules 2027 Presidential Elections for January 16

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Chairman Malam Moham Kudu Haruna, has announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria will be held on January 16, 2027. This decision follows the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which necessitated a revision of the electoral timetable to align with the new legal framework.

The governorship and state House of Assembly elections have been rescheduled to February 6, 2027. Initially, these elections were set for February 20 and March 6, 2027, respectively.

The commission has also outlined that party primaries will commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026. Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while those for the governorship elections will start on September 9, 2026.

INEC emphasized the importance of compliance with the new law and called for cooperation from political parties and citizens to ensure peaceful and credible elections.