The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the campaign timetable for the 2027 General Elections, outlining when political parties and candidates can begin electioneering activities in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the Commission, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on Tuesday, 19 August 2026, and end on Friday, 15 January 2027, exactly 24 hours before the elections scheduled for Saturday, 16 January 2027.
For the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, political campaigns will begin on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, and conclude on Friday, 5 February 2027, ahead of the elections slated for Saturday, 6 February 2027.
INEC stated that the timetable is in line with the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulates that political campaigns may only begin 150 days before the date of an election and must end 24 hours before polling day.
The Commission warned that political parties, candidates, and their supporters are prohibited from commencing campaigns before the approved dates, stressing that any violation of the law could attract appropriate sanctions.
It further explained that the newly released timetable supersedes the earlier election schedule previously proposed, ensuring full compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
With the announcement, political parties and candidates are expected to officially commence public campaigns including rallies, media advertisements, voter engagement, town hall meetings, and grassroots mobilization from 19 August 2026 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and from 9 September 2026 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
INEC urged all political stakeholders to adhere strictly to the approved campaign timetable to promote peaceful, credible, free, and fair elections across the country.
