Kingsley Ohens reporting 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official timetable for political campaigns ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, setting the dates within which political parties and candidates can canvass for votes nationwide.

According to the electoral timetable, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will officially commence on August 19, 2026, and conclude on January 15, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Similarly, campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026, and end on February 5, 2027, ahead of the polls slated for February 6, 2027.

INEC stated that all political parties, candidates and their supporters are expected to conduct their campaigns in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and other relevant electoral regulations. The Commission also urged stakeholders to ensure issue-based campaigns, avoid hate speech, violence and the misuse of state resources throughout the electioneering period.

The release of the campaign timetable marks the formal commencement of preparations for the 2027 general elections, providing political parties with a clear framework for campaign activities while giving the electorate ample time to assess candidates and their manifestos before casting their votes.