Campaigns for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections officially begin today, August 19, 2026, marking the start of a 150-day political race to the polls scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The commencement follows the revised timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which fixed Saturday, January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
Political parties and candidates are now legally permitted to intensify their campaigns, engage voters and present their programmes ahead of the elections. The campaign period will run until January 14, 2027, according to INEC’s official timetable, with campaigns required to end 24 hours before Election Day.
The 2027 election calendar was revised following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026 and the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022. INEC said the adjustments were necessary to align the electoral timetable with the new legal framework.
The revised schedule also sets September 9, 2026, as the commencement date for campaigns for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. Those elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
With the official campaign period now underway, political parties are expected to shift from internal preparations and primary elections to nationwide voter engagement, policy messaging, rallies and other campaign activities.
INEC has urged political parties and other stakeholders to comply strictly with the electoral timetable and work towards peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections will therefore take place in exactly 150 days, putting Nigeria firmly on the road to another major democratic contest.
