The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has announced that the presidential elections will take place on January 16, 2027. This decision marks a significant moment as it will be the first presidential election held in January since Nigeria transitioned back to civilian governance in 1999. The scheduled date follows the repeal of the 2022 electoral law and the introduction of a new law in 2026, which necessitated revisions to the electoral timetable. The adjusted schedule also includes gubernatorial elections set for February 6, 2027, which are slated to occur two weeks after the presidential elections.

According to INEC's National Commissioner and Head of Media, Muhammad Haruna, the new dates are designed to ensure compliance with the newly established electoral law. Political parties have been informed of the need to conduct their primaries and resolve any disputes between April 23 and May 30, 2026. This timeline provides candidates with less than eight months to prepare for the elections, which may present challenges given the political environment in Nigeria. The preparation process is critical as it can significantly influence the outcome of the elections and the smoothness with which they are conducted.

In a related announcement, INEC noted a postponement for the Osun State elections, which were originally scheduled for August 8, 2026, but will now take place on August 15. This adjustment is part of the broader changes to the electoral schedule that aim to streamline the electoral process in Nigeria as it heads toward an important election cycle that will shape its political landscape in the coming years.