The Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 Common Election, fixing the presidential and Nationwide Meeting polls for Saturday, January 16, 2027.
The replace was disclosed in a press release issued on Thursday and signed by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Nationwide Commissioner and Chairman, Info and Voter Training Committee of the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee.
The revision comes round two weeks after the electoral umpire had earlier set dates for the conduct of the 2027 normal elections.
INEC mentioned the revision follows the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which up to date timelines for pre-election actions. The presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections, beforehand set for February 20, 2027, will now maintain on January 16, 2027, whereas governorship and State Homes of Meeting elections transfer from March 6 to February 6, 2027.
The Fee additionally outlined key milestones within the election calendar. Occasion primaries, together with the decision of disputes arising from the primaries, will begin on April 23, 2026, and finish on Might 30, 2026.
Campaigns for presidential and Nationwide Meeting candidates will start on August 19, 2026, whereas campaigns for governorship and State Homes of Meeting candidates will begin on September 9, 2026.
It famous that whereas some actions regarding the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been performed, the remaining processes will now proceed in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Fee maintained that the revised dates are in keeping with the Structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and reiterated its name on stakeholders to work collectively towards peaceable, credible and inclusive elections.
Previous to the brand new timeline, INEC had indicated it’d assessment the 2027 election dates after stakeholders raised considerations that the unique schedule coincided with Ramadan.
The presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections have been initially set for February 20, 2027, and governorship and State Homes of Meeting elections for March 6, 2027.
Whereas defending the authorized foundation for the unique dates, INEC acknowledged that holding elections throughout Ramadan may have an effect on voter participation.
Critics additionally raised considerations in regards to the bodily calls for on voters throughout fasting, prompting requires an earlier schedule. Regardless of these criticisms, INEC maintained that its choices have been guided by the legislation.
Earlier in February, INEC knowledgeable the Nationwide Meeting that it requires N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 normal elections, together with N171 billion to fund its operations in 2026.
The proposed N873.78 billion represents a major enhance from the N313.4 billion launched for the 2023 elections.
The funds highlights the size and {financial} calls for of conducting nationwide elections beneath the revised timetable and the brand new authorized framework.