The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the campaign timetable for the 2027 General Elections, outlining the dates political parties and candidates are permitted to commence campaigns in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the electoral umpire, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on Tuesday, August 19, 2026, and end on Thursday, January 15, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the elections scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2027.
For the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, campaigns are scheduled to commence on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and conclude on Friday, February 5, 2027, ahead of the elections fixed for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC explained that the timetable is in strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulates that political campaigns may only commence 150 days before an election and must end 24 hours before polling day.
The Commission warned that political parties, candidates and their supporters are prohibited from engaging in campaigns before the approved dates, stressing that any violation of the law could attract appropriate sanctions.
The electoral body noted that the revised timetable supersedes the earlier election schedule previously proposed by the Commission.
With the announcement, political parties are expected to begin public campaigns, including rallies, media advertisements, voter engagement programmes and grassroots mobilisation, from the approved dates for the various elections.
INEC urged all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate, to adhere strictly to the campaign timetable to ensure a peaceful, credible and lawful electoral process.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair and transparent elections in 2027 and called on all participants in the electoral process to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC Unveils Official Campaign Timetable for 2027 General Elections
