Presidential campaigns to begin Aug 19 – INEC announces revised campaign timetable for 2027 general elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections.

According to the timetable, the commission fixed June 27 to July 11, 2026, for the submission of nomination forms for presidential and National Assembly candidates, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates are to submit their forms between July 18 and August 8, 2026, through the INEC nomination portal.

The electoral body said campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19 2026 and end on January 14 2027, while campaigns for governorship and State Assembly elections will run from September 9, 2026, to February 4, 2027.

The commission also scheduled the publication of the final list of nominated candidates for September 12, 2026 for the presidential and National Assembly elections and October 10, 2026 for governorship and State Assembly elections.

Under the timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.

INEC said the revised timetable aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires election campaigns to begin 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before voting.

The commission urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to adhere strictly to the timetable and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure a credible and orderly electoral process.