INEC Flags Off 2027 Campaign Season: Presidential Rallies Start Aug 19, Gov’ship Sept 9

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

The schedule was contained in a public notice signed by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and published on the Commission’s website, http://www.inecnigeria.org.

Campaign Dates Announced
According to INEC, campaign activities will begin at different times for federal and state elections:

1. Presidential and National Assembly Elections
– Campaign Starts: Tuesday, 19 August 2026
– Campaign Ends: Friday, 15 January 2027
-Election Day: Saturday, 16 January 2027

2. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections
– Campaign Starts: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
-Campaign Ends: Friday, 5 February 2027
-Election Day: Saturday, 6 February 2027

All campaigns are to end 24 hours before polling day, as stipulated by law.

Key Provisions Under Electoral Act 2026
INEC stated that the new timetable aligns fully with the Electoral Act 2026 and supersedes the earlier draft schedule released by the Commission.

Key provisions include:
-Campaigns may only commence 150 days before the date of an election

-All campaign activities must cease 24 hours before election day

-Political parties, candidates, and supporters are prohibited from starting campaigns before the approved dates

-Violations will attract appropriate sanctions

The Commission said parties are expected to begin public engagements including rallies, media adverts, voter sensitization and grassroots mobilization from the approved dates above.

INEC Urges Compliance
INEC called on political parties, candidates and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the timetable to ensure a peaceful, credible and lawful electoral process.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to comply fully with the approved timetable to ensure a peaceful, credible, and lawful electoral process,” the statement read.

With the release of the timetable, political activities are expected to intensify nationwide as parties begin preparations for the 2027 polls.