The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the official campaign timetable for the 2027 General Elections in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Official Campaign Schedule
Presidential and National Assembly Elections
Campaign Begins: Tuesday, 19 August 2026
Campaign Ends: Thursday, 15 January 2027, exactly 24 hours before the election scheduled for Friday, 16 January 2027
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections
Campaign Begins: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Campaign Ends: Friday, 5 February 2027, exactly 24 hours before the election scheduled for Saturday, 6 February 2027
Key Provisions of the Electoral Act 2026
Political campaigns may only commence 150 days before the date of an election.
All campaigns must end 24 hours before polling day.
Political parties, candidates, and supporters are prohibited from commencing campaigns before the approved dates. INEC has stated that violations may attract appropriate sanctions.
The revised timetable aligns with the Electoral Act 2026 and replaces the earlier election schedule initially proposed by INEC.
Accordingly, political parties and candidates are expected to begin public campaigns, including rallies, media advertisements, voter engagement, and grassroots mobilization, from 19 August 2026 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and from 9 September 2026 for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.
All stakeholders are encouraged to comply fully with the approved timetable to ensure a peaceful, credible, and lawful electoral process.