Nigeria 2027 Elections Explained: Dates, Offices and How Winners Are Decided

Nigerians go to the polls twice in early 2027: on 16 January for the President and National Assembly, and on 6 February for Governors and State Houses of Assembly. Here is who is being elected, how many candidates there are, and what it takes to win.

Dates are from INEC’s revised timetable of February 2026. Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun elect their governors at different times because of past court rulings and re-run elections.

🏛️ How the President is elected

To win in the first round, a candidate needs the highest number of votes AND at least 25% of the votes in at least two-thirds of the 36 states and the FCT. If no one meets both conditions, the Constitution provides for a second election (run-off). INEC published a final list of 18 presidential candidates on 12 September 2026.

🏢 How a Governor is elected

A governorship candidate needs the highest number of votes AND at least 25% of the votes in at least two-thirds of the state’s Local Government Areas. Otherwise, a second election is held.

🏛️ Senate, House of Reps and State Assembly

For these seats, the candidate with the most votes in the constituency wins.

📅 Key dates on the road to the polls

• 19 August 2026 — presidential and National Assembly campaigns began.
• 9 September 2026 — governorship and State Assembly campaigns began.
• 9 October 2026 — PVC collection began.
• 15 December 2026 — INEC publishes the official Register of Voters.
• Campaigns must end 24 hours before each election day.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria?

Saturday 16 January 2027, together with the Senate and House of Representatives elections, according to INEC’s revised timetable.

When are the 2027 governorship elections?

Saturday 6 February 2027, in 28 states, together with State House of Assembly elections in all 36 states.

How many presidential candidates are there?

INEC’s final list published on 12 September 2026 has 18 presidential candidates.

What is the 25% rule?

To win the presidency in the first round, a candidate needs the most votes and at least 25% of the votes in at least two-thirds of the 36 states and the FCT.

Written by the askJBoss team from public information and our own research; last updated November 2026. Prices, dates and rules change — always confirm with the official source. Spotted something that has changed? Tell us in the comments.