INEC Moves 2027 Election Dates to Avoid Ramadan, Osun Election Rescheduled
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled Nigeria's 2027 general elections to avoid coinciding with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on 16 January 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will take place on 6 February 2027. These dates replace the previous February 20 and March 6, 2027, schedules under the repealed Electoral Act, 2022. The new Electoral Act, 2026, which President Tinubu signed into law, introduced these adjustments to statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities. Muslim groups had previously raised concerns that the earlier dates would conflict with Ramadan, potentially reducing voter turnout. INEC also moved the Osun State governorship election from August 8 to August 15. The revised timeline includes political party primaries from April 23 to May 30, with presidential and National Assembly campaigns starting August 19 and governorship/state campaigns beginning September 9. All campaigns must end 24 hours before election day. The new act resolved a controversy over electronic transmission of results, making it optional and reverting to manual transmission in case of internet failure.