The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the key preparatory timeline for the 2027 general elections, mandating all political parties to conduct their primary elections within the month of July 2026.
In a significant directive that will shape the early stages of the election cycle, the Commission also announced that any political appointee or public office holder seeking to contest in the polls must formally resign from their position on or before February 28, 2026.
This guideline, INEC stated, is in strict adherence to existing electoral laws and is designed to ensure a level playing field and orderly transition into the campaign period. The move is expected to trigger a wave of early resignations and political realignments well over a year before the elections proper.
"The Commission has approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections," an INEC official confirmed. "Central to this schedule is the conduct of party primaries and resolution of arising disputes in July 2026. Furthermore, to curb the advantage of incumbency and ensure full dedication to campaigns, all government appointees seeking nomination must vacate their offices by the end of February 2026."
Political analysts note that the February resignation deadline will force aspiring candidates, particularly ministers, commissioners, special advisers, and other appointees, to make definitive declarations of intent much earlier than in previous cycles. This is seen as a measure to separate official government duties from partisan electoral activities.
The 2027 general elections are expected to feature contests for the Presidency, Governorship positions, and seats in the National and State Assemblies. With this latest announcement, the long road to the polls has now been formally charted, setting the stage for intense political manoeuvring beginning early next year.
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