Abuja, February 27, 2026 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has mandated political parties to commence Presidential and National Assembly campaigns on July 30, 2026, and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns on August 30, 2026, under its revised 2027 election schedule.
These dates, extracted from INEC’s official timetable, align with the Electoral Act, 2026, ensuring campaigns conclude 24 hours before polling days—January 16, 2027, for federal elections and February 6 for state polls.
Detailed Campaign Schedule
The timetable specifies:
| Activity | Presidential/National Assembly | Governorship/State Assembly |
|---|---|---|
| Submission of Nominations (post-primaries) | June 20 – July 26, 2026 (no later than 20 days before primaries) | June 20 – July 26, 2026 |
| Commencement of Campaigns | July 30, 2026 | August 30, 2026 |
| Notice of Candidate Withdrawal | November 17, 2026 (60 days before election) | December 8, 2026 |
| Submission of Forms EC9B (withdrawals) | December 8, 2026 (21 days after notice) | December 29, 2026 |
INEC enforces Section 99 of the Act, barring post-deadline campaigning.
Strategic and Legal Context
The compressed five-month federal campaign window demands rapid mobilisation, amid economic challenges and digital nomination mandates. Major parties like APC and PDP have signaled compliance, while experts warn of logistical strains but praise legal alignment.
Full details are accessible on INEC’s platforms, with Chairman Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna reiterating stakeholder collaboration for credible polls. This schedule supports Nigeria’s democratic timeline under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
