Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are set for February 6, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) published revised timetable.
The dates were announced in February 2026 following changes to the electoral framework. They replace the commission’s original election schedule.
With the elections approaching, the timetable provides important information for voters, political parties and organisations preparing for the polls.
When Will Nigerians Vote?
INEC’s revised timetable identifies two principal election dates:
| Election | Scheduled date |
|---|---|
| Presidential and National Assembly | Saturday, January 16, 2027 |
| Governorship and State Houses of Assembly | Saturday, February 6, 2027 |
The first date covers the presidential election and elections into the Senate and House of Representatives.
The second covers governorship elections in states where they are due, alongside State Houses of Assembly elections.
Some states operate off-cycle governorship elections and will therefore follow separate calendars for electing their governors.
Why Did INEC Revise the Timetable?
INEC originally scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and governorship and State Assembly elections for March 6.
However, the commission revised the timetable on February 26, 2026, following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
The revised schedule moved the presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16 and governorship and State Assembly elections to February 6.
The change was therefore announced months before November 2026.
The official timetable reviewed by IDNN identifies January 16 and February 6 as the principal voting dates. Any subsequent authenticated revision would require an update to this report.
When Do Election Campaigns End?
INEC’s revised timetable identifies separate campaign periods for the two sets of elections.
Presidential and National Assembly campaigns commenced on August 19, 2026, with January 14, 2027, identified as the scheduled closing date.
Governorship and State Assembly campaigns commenced on September 9, 2026, with February 4, 2027, identified as the scheduled closing date.
Political parties and candidates must also comply with the statutory requirements governing the cessation of campaigning before polling.
INEC previously rejected a misleading election timetable graphic that circulated with incorrect campaign deadlines.
Voters and political organisations should therefore rely on authenticated INEC notices rather than unofficial graphics or outdated reports.
What Should Registered Voters Check?
Registered voters can check their details through INEC’s official online voter-verification service.
However, the commission’s Continuous Voter Registration portal states that the registration exercise has ended.
This means voters should distinguish between verifying an existing registration and applying for a new registration.
Anyone seeking a transfer, correction of personal details or replacement of a lost or damaged Permanent Voter Card should consult INEC for the current procedures and availability of those services.
Voters should also confirm their assigned polling units and establish which elections are scheduled in their states.
Do All States Hold Governorship Elections on February 6?
No.
Some Nigerian states operate off-cycle governorship elections and follow separate electoral calendars.
These arrangements arise from earlier judicial decisions affecting the commencement and duration of governorship terms.
However, State Houses of Assembly elections generally remain part of the nationwide election schedule.
Voters should confirm which elections will take place in their states rather than assuming that every ballot will be available everywhere.
What About Court Challenges and Misleading Timetables?
Court challenges concerning aspects of the electoral timetable and related electoral procedures have been reported.
However, the material reviewed by IDNN has not established a binding judicial decision replacing the voting dates currently displayed by INEC.
Any subsequent court order or official revision would require an update.
Voters should also be cautious about election calendars circulating on social media.
Some may reproduce superseded dates or contain incorrect information about campaign deadlines.
Before sharing an election timetable, readers should check its source, publication date and consistency with INEC’s latest authenticated announcements.
What Nigerians Should Remember Before Election Day
The published timetable provides a framework for preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Registered voters should take several practical steps:
- Confirm voter registration: Check that your existing registration details are accurate.
- Verify your polling unit: Know where you are assigned to vote.
- Check elections in your state: Confirm whether a governorship election is scheduled.
- Follow official announcements: Rely on authenticated INEC information.
- Confirm service availability: Check current procedures before requesting transfers, corrections or PVC-related services.
These steps can help voters avoid confusion as election preparations intensify.
INEC’s published revised timetable identifies January 16 and February 6 as the principal voting dates for the 2027 general elections. Claims that the dates have changed should be checked against authenticated commission announcements or applicable court orders.
