INEC Announces Official Campaign Timetable for 2027 General Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official campaign timetable for the 2027 General Elections in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Under the schedule, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on Tuesday, August 19, 2026, and end on January 15, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the elections slated for January 16, 2027.

For the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, political campaigns will commence on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and conclude on Friday, February 5, 2027, 24 hours before the polls scheduled for February 6, 2027.

INEC stated that the timetable complies with the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulates that political campaigns may only begin 150 days before an election and must end 24 hours before polling day.

The commission also warned that political parties, candidates, and their supporters must not commence campaigns before the approved dates, noting that violations of the law could attract appropriate sanctions.

The revised timetable replaces the earlier election schedule previously proposed by the electoral body.
With the announcement, political parties and candidates are expected to commence public campaigns, including rallies, media advertisements, voter engagement, and grassroots mobilization, from August 19, 2026, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and September 9, 2026, for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

INEC urged all stakeholders to comply fully with the approved timetable to ensure a peaceful, credible, and lawful electoral process.