INEC OPENS 2027 CAMPAIGN SEASON AS PRESIDENTIAL, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CAMPAIGNS BEGIN
~2027 POLLS: INEC APPROVES CAMPAIGN TIMETABLE, PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS BEGIN AUGUST 19
By Emeka Amaefula
With restrictions on political campaigns lifted, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the commencement of political campaigns ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, with campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections commencing on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
According to the approved campaign timetable, presidential and National Assembly candidates and their supporters are permitted to commence campaigns from August 19, 2026, while the campaign period will close on January 15, 2027, a day before the scheduled election on January 16, 2027.
For the governorship and State Assembly elections, the campaign period will commence on September 9, 2026, and close on February 5, 2027, with the elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The timetable is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulates that election campaigns may commence no earlier than 150 days before the date fixed for an election and must end 24 hours before polling begins.
INEC has consequently reminded political parties, candidates and their supporters that they are expected to strictly adhere to the approved campaign periods. Any breach of the provisions governing the campaign timetable may attract sanctions under the law.
The electoral body also urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly, stressing the need for all participants in the electoral process to support a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
The commencement of the 2027 campaign season marks the beginning of what is expected to be an extensive period of political mobilisation across the country as political parties and their candidates seek the support of Nigerian voters ahead of the general elections.
—— Emeka Amaefula —–+234(0)8111813069—
