By Our Staff Reporter, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has released the official timetable for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Elections, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

According to the new schedule, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will commence on Tuesday, August 19, 2026, and end on Friday, January 15, 2027. Polling for the presidential and federal legislative seats is scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027.

For the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections, campaigns will begin on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and close on Friday, February 5, 2027. The elections will hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027. 

In both cases, campaign activities are expected to end exactly 24 hours before polling day.

INEC said the timetable was drawn from the new law, which stipulates that: 

– 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. The Commission warned that violations would attract appropriate sanctions. 

– The revised timetable replaces the earlier election schedule initially proposed by INEC.

Consequently, political parties and candidates are expected to begin public campaigns — including rallies, media advertisements, voter engagement, and grassroots mobilization — from August 19, 2026 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and from September 9, 2026 for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

INEC urged all stakeholders to comply fully with the approved timetable to ensure a peaceful, credible, and lawful electoral process.