INEC Launches Preparations for 2027 General Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially kicked off activities for the 2027 general elections on April 23, 2026. Political parties in Nigeria have a 38-day window to conduct their primaries to select candidates for various positions, including presidential, governorship, and state assembly roles.

This timeline is based on the provisions of the revised Electoral Act. Political parties must resolve any disputes and submit their membership registrations to INEC at least 21 days before the primaries, with an overall submission deadline set for May 10, 2026.

The commission will release a detailed schedule of activities for the elections in accordance with the revised timeline. The presidential election is slated for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly elections are rescheduled for February 6, 2027.

This move aligns with the compliance requirements of the recently signed Electoral Act by President Bola Tinubu, which necessitates a complete review of previously announced dates.