2027 Elections: INEC Mandates Party Primaries for April 2026, Osun Gov Election Shifted
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the conduct of the Osun State governorship election by one week, the election is now scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026.
Earlier, INEC had scheduled the election to hold on August 8, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission approved a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities following changes in the electoral law.
The shift was part of a general rescheduling of the 2027 general elections following signing of the amended electoral Act 2025 into law by President Bola Tinubu.
The commission had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections under the Electoral Act, 2022.
However, the commission said the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026 necessitated a review of the schedule.
Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement read.
According to INEC, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The commission also outlined key milestones in the revised timetable.
It stated that the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026.
“Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026,” INEC stated.
The commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that it would strictly enforce compliance.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” the statement stated.
