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The 2027 election calendar: the dates that matter

INEC moved the 2027 general elections forward after the Electoral Act 2026 became law. Here are the new dates.

Flags outside government buildings in Abuja

The 2027 general elections will hold earlier than first planned. After the Electoral Act 2026 was enacted on 18 February 2026, repealing the Electoral Act 2022, INEC issued a revised timetable to fit the new law's timelines.

The two election days

Election Date
Presidential and National Assembly Saturday, 16 January 2027
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Saturday, 6 February 2027

Under the earlier timetable, these elections were set for 20 February and 6 March 2027.

Campaigns are already under way

Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections opened on 19 August 2026. Campaigns for the governorship and State Assembly elections opened on 9 September 2026. By law, all campaigns end 24 hours before election day.

What you can do now

  1. Confirm that your voter registration details are correct and that you know your polling unit.
  2. Keep your Permanent Voter Card safe. You will need it on both election days.
  3. Talk to family and neighbours about the dates. Many people still expect February and March.
  4. Join DNP to get reminders on WhatsApp as each date approaches.

Source: INEC revised timetable for the 2027 general election, reported by Voice of Nigeria.

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