The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the official campaign timetable for the 2027 General Elections in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The official campaign schedule, in a publication signed by the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and published on the Commission’s portal, www.inecnigeria.org, is as follows:
Presidential and National Assembly Elections; Campaign Begins: Tuesday, 19 August 2026. Campaign Ends: Friday, 15 January 2027, exactly 24 hours before the elections scheduled for 16 January 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections; Campaign Begins: Wednesday, 9 September 2026. Campaign Ends: Friday, 5 February 2027, exactly 24 hours before the elections scheduled for 6 February 2027.
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Key Provisions of the Electoral Act 2026
Political campaigns may only commence 150 days before the date of an election.
All campaigns must end 24 hours before polling day. Political parties, candidates, and supporters are prohibited from commencing campaigns before the officially approved dates, and INEC has indicated that violations may attract appropriate sanctions.
The revised timetable aligns with the Electoral Act 2026 and replaces the earlier election schedule initially proposed by INEC.
Accordingly, political parties and candidates are expected to begin public campaigns, including rallies, media advertisements, voter engagement, and grassroots mobilisation, from 19 August 2026 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and from 9 September 2026 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
All stakeholders are encouraged to comply fully with the approved timetable to ensure a peaceful, credible, and lawful electoral process.
