By Our Political Reporter

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major adjustment to the timetable for the 2027 General Election, bringing forward the dates for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly polls in compliance with the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission confirmed that the earlier schedule has been revised following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the introduction of new statutory timelines under the 2026 law.

Presidential Election Now January 16, 2027

INEC disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, previously scheduled for February 20, 2027, will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.

Similarly, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections, earlier fixed for March 6, 2027, have been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027.

According to the Commission, the changes were necessary to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the new Electoral Act, which introduced adjustments to timelines governing party primaries, campaigns and other pre-election activities.

Party Primaries to Begin April 23, 2026

As part of the revised schedule, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries — including the resolution of disputes — between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly candidates will commence on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.

INEC reminded political parties that, in line with the law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, warning that the Commission will strictly enforce compliance with the new legal framework.

“The Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election reflecting these adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on the Commission’s official website and other official communication platforms,” the statement read.

Osun Governorship Election Rescheduled

In a related development, INEC also announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election.

The poll, initially slated for Saturday, August 8, 2026, will now take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The Commission noted that while some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been completed, the remaining processes will strictly align with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.

Constitutional Backing

INEC emphasized that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the new Electoral Act, assuring Nigerians that the adjustments are legally grounded.

The Commission further stressed that the successful conduct of the 2027 elections remains a shared responsibility, urging political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, security agencies and voters to work collectively toward peaceful, credible and inclusive polls.

Political Implications

The adjustment significantly shortens the countdown to the 2027 race, effectively accelerating political calculations across party lines. Aspirants eyeing presidential, governorship and legislative seats must now recalibrate their strategies in line with the earlier primaries and campaign windows.

For political parties, the compressed timeline heightens the urgency of internal consultations, alliance-building and candidate selection processes — areas that have historically generated disputes and litigations.

With less than a year to party primaries, the road to 2027 has officially begun.

As Nigeria prepares for another defining electoral cycle, all eyes will now be on how political actors adapt to the new calendar — and whether the revised schedule will deliver the transparent and credible elections Nigerians demand.

By Our Political Reporter

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe State has announced the commencement of a statewide rotational Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, beginning Monday, February 2, 2026.

According to a press release issued by the Commission, the exercise will cover all the 114 Registration Areas (wards) across the state. INEC officials will spend five days in each Registration Area on a rotational basis to ensure that eligible citizens have adequate access to voter registration services.

The registration exercise will run from Mondays to Fridays, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., at designated ward registration centres across the state.

INEC explained that the exercise is open to all eligible Nigerian citizens who are 18 years and above and have not previously registered. It will also cater to registered voters who wish to transfer their registration, as well as those seeking replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The Commission urged residents of Gombe State to take full advantage of the opportunity, describing voter registration as a civic responsibility and a key pillar of democratic participation.

INEC further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, security agencies, and other stakeholders to support the smooth conduct of the exercise by mobilising citizens and maintaining a peaceful environment at registration centres.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible electoral processes, the Commission stressed that the rotational approach is designed to bring registration services closer to the people and ensure inclusiveness across all communities in the state.

INEC concluded by encouraging eligible voters to participate actively in the exercise, noting that effective participation in elections begins with voter registration.

“INEC — Making Your Votes Count, Consolidating Our Democracy.”

By Our Correspondent

Engineer Waziri Usman Doma has successfully retained his position as the National Vice President of the National Association of Automobile Technicians (NATA), representing the North-East geopolitical zone, following the Association’s National Convention held in Abuja.

Engineer Doma, who is from Gombe State, emerged victorious during the convention, which also witnessed the election of the National President and other members of the National Executive Council of NATA.

His re-election is widely regarded as a reflection of the confidence and trust reposed in him by members of the Association across the North-East and the country at large. Stakeholders described his leadership as impactful, inclusive, and result-oriented, particularly in advancing the interests of automobile technicians in the region.

Speaking after his re-election, Engineer Doma expressed appreciation to NATA members for renewing his mandate. He pledged to remain committed to strengthening the Association, promoting professionalism, and enhancing capacity development among automobile technicians, especially in the North-East.

The national convention brought together delegates from across Nigeria to deliberate on issues affecting the automobile sector, review the Association’s progress, and chart strategies aimed at improving the welfare and professional standards of its members.

With the inauguration of the newly elected National President and other executives, NATA is expected to intensify efforts toward skill development, innovation, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to advance the automobile industry in Nigeria.

Engineer Doma’s continued presence in the national leadership of NATA further underscores the growing influence of Gombe State and the North-East region within the Association’s decision-making structure and national affairs.