Politics
2027: INEC Bars Early Campaigns, Unveils Election Timetable
issued in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026,
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has released the official campaign timetable for the 2027 general elections, fixing August 19, 2026, as the commencement date for campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state House of Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
The commission, in the timetable issued in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, said campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections would end on January 15, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the polls scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Similarly, campaigns for governorship and state House of Assembly elections will close on February 5, 2027, ahead of the elections slated for February 6, 2027.
Announcing the timetable, INEC said: “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 commission stressed that political parties, candidates and their supporters must adhere strictly to the approved timetable, warning that campaigns outside the prescribed period would amount to a violation of the law.
According to INEC, “Political campaigns may only commence 150 days before the date of an election,” while “all campaigns must end 24 hours before polling day.”
The electoral body further stated that “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.”
INEC explained that the revised timetable aligns with the Electoral Act 2026 and replaces the earlier election schedule initially proposed by the commission.
It said political parties and candidates are expected to begin public campaigns, including rallies, media advertisements, voter engagement and grassroots mobilisation, from August 19, 2026, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and from September 9, 2026, for the governorship and state Assembly elections.
The commission urged all stakeholders to comply fully with the approved timetable to guarantee a peaceful, credible, transparent and lawful electoral process.
“All stakeholders are encouraged to comply fully with the approved timetable to ensure a peaceful, credible, transparent, and lawful electoral process,” INEC said.
