• Nigeria moves 2027 presidential election to Jan. 16, 2027
• Change avoids overlap with Ramadan after Senate and community concerns
• State governor elections rescheduled to Feb. 6, 2027

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Thursday, Feb. 26, a restructuring of the electoral calendar. The presidential election, originally scheduled for Feb. 20, 2027, will now be held on Jan. 16, 2027. State governor elections are now set for Feb. 6, 2027, after previously being programmed for March 2027.

The decision follows criticism from the Senate and certain Muslim communities regarding the overlap between the polls and the holy month of Ramadan. The Nigerian Senate had initiated steps to ensure that the general elections scheduled for 2027 did not coincide with this period.

According to lawmakers, the initiative aims to strengthen the inclusivity of the electoral process. It also seeks to ensure the full participation of Muslim faithful and prevent religious obligations from disrupting the exercise of civic duties. Islam represents a significant portion of the Nigerian population, with more than 105 million followers in 2024.

"The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people," Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, national commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said in the statement.

Nigeria currently faces moderate growth and high inflation that weighs on household purchasing power. This inflation exceeded an average of 30% in 2024. Unemployment also remains high, with 61% of the population living below the poverty line in 2025, according to World Bank estimates.

The 2027 elections will take place in a context where citizens expect concrete solutions from candidates to improve their daily lives and boost investment. While current President Bola Tinubu has not yet officially announced his candidacy, his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has already designated him as a potential candidate.