The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday released the timetable for the 2027 general elections, setting off an 18-month countdown that is already reshaping political alliances across the country's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Key dates

According to the timetable, continuous voter registration will run until March 15, 2027. Party primaries must be conducted between June and August 2027. The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state assembly elections following two weeks later on March 6.

INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu urged all eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to do so before the deadline. The commission estimates that 12 million Nigerians of voting age are not yet on the register.

Political realignments already underway

Several prominent governors who crossed party lines following the 2023 elections are reportedly in advanced negotiations to formalise their positions ahead of the primaries window. Sources within the ruling APC say at least four governors are considering defection to the PDP before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party is focused on rebuilding its grassroots structure after the Supreme Court upheld President Tinubu's victory in 2023. LP national chairman Julius Abure said the party is targeting 20 million new members before the primaries.