Political parties and candidates seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections can officially begin public campaigns today, August 19, 2026, following the commencement of the campaign period approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the electoral body, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections begin today and will run until January 15, 2027, exactly 24 hours before Nigerians head to the polls on January 16, 2027.
INEC, in a public notice issued in line with the Electoral Act 2026, also announced that campaigns for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026, and end on February 5, 2027, ahead of the February 6, 2027 elections.
The commission explained that the timetable complies with Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulates that political campaigns must begin no earlier than 150 days before an election and end at least 24 hours before polling day.
INEC also reminded political parties that campaigning during the final 24 hours before an election is prohibited. Under Section 98(2) of the Act, any party that advertises or publishes campaign materials through broadcast stations, newspapers, or other media during that period risks a fine of up to ₦2 million upon conviction.
With the campaign season now officially underway for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, political parties are expected to intensify activities such as rallies, town hall meetings, voter engagement programmes, media advertisements, and grassroots mobilisation across the country.
The announcement comes amid concerns from some stakeholders over the early display of campaign posters, banners, and billboards by political actors before the legally approved campaign period. Critics have argued that such activities contradict the provisions of the Electoral Act.
INEC said the newly released timetable supersedes any previous election schedule and serves as the official guide for all campaign-related activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The commission urged political parties, candidates, supporters, and other stakeholders to strictly comply with the approved timetable and the provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure a peaceful, credible, free, and fair electoral process.
Part of the notice reads: “Political parties and candidates are expected to begin public campaigns—including rallies, media advertisements, voter engagement, and grassroots mobilisation—from 19 August 2026 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and from 9 September 2026 for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.”
INEC added that full compliance with the timetable would help guarantee a lawful and orderly electoral process as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
