2027: Governorship, Assembly Campaigns Officially Begin Across Nigeria

Political parties and candidates seeking governorship and State House of Assembly seats have officially entered the next phase of the 2027 election cycle as campaigns begin nationwide.

The Independent National Electoral Commission fixed September 9, 2026, for the commencement of public campaigns for the governorship and State House of Assembly elections. The elections are scheduled to hold on February 6, 2027.

The opening of the campaign window gives candidates the opportunity to begin full public mobilisation, including rallies, media engagements, grassroots meetings and direct interaction with voters.

The development comes after campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections began on August 19, 2026.

The governorship race will take place in 28 states whose electoral cycles fall within the 2027 general election timetable, while eight states will not hold governorship elections during the exercise because of their separate electoral calendars.

With the campaign period now open, political parties are expected to intensify their efforts to win support at the grassroots, particularly across wards and polling units.

Major parties, including the APC, PDP, ADC and NDC, are expected to deploy their candidates and campaign structures across the states as the contest gradually gathers momentum.

However, some political parties are still working to complete their campaign structures, with internal disagreements, funding and alliance negotiations affecting preparations in some states.

The 2027 governorship election is expected to produce intense political contests as incumbents seek to retain power while opposition parties attempt to take control of several states.

INEC has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters to comply with the approved electoral timetable and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Campaigns for the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are expected to end 24 hours before the February 6, 2027 polls, making the coming months a crucial period for candidates to convince voters and build strong grassroots support.

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