INEC to Announce New 2027 Elections Timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to issue a revised timetable for the 2027 elections to align with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Mr Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, told Sunday Punch that the commission remains committed to complying with the law. 

While he did not give a specific release date, he confirmed that a “revised timetable” would be published soon.

Oketola was responding to calls from political parties, who argued that a new timetable is necessary under the updated law to allow adequate time for primaries and other internal preparations ahead of the polls.

INEC had previously scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and state House of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027. 

The dates drew criticism from some groups, particularly Muslim organisations, who noted a clash with the holy month of Ramadan.

The recently passed Electoral Act 2026 reduced the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.

Clause 28 now requires INEC to publish the date and nomination venues for elections at least 300 days before voting. 

Legal analysts say the amendment gives INEC flexibility to hold the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections between late December 2026 and January 2027.

Experts also note that INEC cannot continue preparations under the old 2022 Electoral Act, which has been amended to accommodate the new provisions.