Off-cycle
Governorship Election
Ekiti State
June 20, 2026Expected
First off-cycle governorship poll of the 2026 calendar.
Election Resource · Calendar
Every date that decides Nigeria's next chapter.
The official INEC election calendar at a glance — Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, State Houses of Assembly and every off-cycle governorship vote between now and the end of 2027. Plan ahead, mark your diary, and never miss your chance to vote.
Presidential & NASS
Jan 16, 2027
Same-day nationwide vote
Governorship & Assembly
Feb 6, 2027
Excludes 8 off-cycle states
Off-cycle states
8 states
On separate cycles by court order
Official INEC calendar
The Independent National Electoral Commission's revised timetable for 2026 & 2027.
Following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, INEC released a revised timetable covering Nigeria's General Elections and the off-cycle governorship polls in eight states. These dates are sourced directly from INEC's most recent public schedule.
Use the filter below to switch between the full upcoming calendar, only the General Elections, or only the Off-Cycle governorship elections.
Presidential & NASS
Jan 16, 2027
Same-day nationwide vote
Governorship & Assembly
Feb 6, 2027
Excludes 8 off-cycle states
Off-cycle states
8 states
On separate cycles by court order
Polls open
8:30 AM
Voting closes 2:30 PM
Heads up: exact dates for the November 2027 off-cycle governorship elections (Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi) will be confirmed by INEC closer to the polls. Always check inecnigeria.org for the latest update.
Filter the calendar
Pick a category and see every election scheduled in that bucket.
Switch between the three views below. The list updates instantly with the dates, coverage, and important notes for each poll.
Showing 9 of 9 elections
2026 Calendar
2026 Off-Cycle Governorship Elections
Off-cycle
Governorship Election
Osun State
August 8, 2026Expected
Off-cycle governorship election following past judicial rulings.
2027 Calendar
2027 General Elections
General
Presidential Election
Nationwide
January 16, 2027
Same-day vote with the National Assembly elections.
General
National Assembly Elections
Nationwide
January 16, 2027
Senate and House of Representatives across all 36 states & FCT.
General
Governorship Elections
Nationwide (excl. off-cycle states)
February 6, 2027
Excludes Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun (off-cycle states).
General
State Houses of Assembly Elections
Nationwide
February 6, 2027
Same-day with the governorship elections.
2027 Calendar
2027 Off-Cycle Governorship Elections
Off-cycle
Governorship Election
Bayelsa State
November 2027Expected
Off-cycle election to align with January 2028 inauguration.
Off-cycle
Governorship Election
Imo State
November 2027Expected
Off-cycle election to align with January 2028 inauguration.
Off-cycle
Governorship Election
Kogi State
November 2027Expected
Off-cycle election to align with January 2028 inauguration.
About off-cycle states
Why some states vote on different dates.
Eight Nigerian states run their governorship elections outside the General Election cycle. Past judicial rulings shifted their inauguration dates, so their gubernatorial polls happen on a separate four-year cycle from the national vote.
Voters in these states still take part in the Presidential, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly elections on the General Election dates — only the governorship vote is on a different timeline.
Off-cycle states
The 8 states on a separate gubernatorial cycle
- Anambra
- Bayelsa
- Edo
- Ekiti
- Imo
- Kogi
- Ondo
- Osun
Voting in 2026
Ekiti · Osun
Voting in November 2027
Bayelsa · Imo · Kogi
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FAQ
Quick answers about the election calendar.
Don't see your question here? Reach the OK Movement team and we'll point you to the right INEC resource.
Contact usWhy are some states not included in the February 2027 governorship vote?
Eight states (Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun) hold their governorship elections on separate 'off-cycle' dates because of past court rulings that shifted their inauguration dates.
Can I vote in both the January and February 2027 elections?
Yes. If you are a registered voter, you are entitled to vote in every election that affects your polling unit — Presidential and NASS in January 2027, then Governorship and State Assembly in February 2027 (subject to whether your state is off-cycle).
What time should I arrive at my polling unit?
Polling units open at 8:30 AM nationwide. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to beat the queue. Anyone in line by 2:30 PM closing time is allowed to vote.
Where do I find my polling unit?
Use the polling unit code printed on your PVC, or check the INEC Voter Verification Portal (cvr.inecnigeria.org/vvs) to confirm your assigned unit before election day.
Are off-cycle dates final?
Off-cycle governorship dates (Ekiti, Osun in 2026; Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi in 2027) are based on the most recent INEC schedule. INEC may adjust the exact day closer to the election — always confirm on inecnigeria.org.