Nigeria moves 2027 Presidential election to January over Ramadan clash

Nigeria has moved its presidential and parliamentary elections to January 16, 2027, to avoid overlapping with Ramadan, while state elections will now be held on February 6. President Bola Tinubu is set to run for a second and final term.

Camillus Eboh/Reuters

Ferbruary 27, 2026

Nigeria moves 2027 Presidential election to January over Ramadan clash

Muslims attend Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan at the Lagos Central Mosque in Lagos, Nigeria, February 20, 2026.

Sodiq Adelakun/Reuters

Nigeria's presidential and parliamentary election has been brought forward by a month to January 16, 2027, the Independent National Electoral Commission said on Thursday.

The presidential election had been set for February 20, 2027 but has been changed after concerns it could coincide with the period of Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims. Nigeria is roughly evenly divided between Muslims and Christians.

Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on February 6 instead of March 6.

Campaigns for presidential and parliamentary elections will begin in August and end 24 hours before voting day.

President Bola Tinubu will run for a second and final four-year term.

-Camillus Eboh/Reuters