Nigeria enters new electioneering season as INEC lifts campaign bans

Nigeria is entering a new political phase as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifts the ban on electioneering campaigns for the 2027 general elections. This follows the recent re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State and shifts national attention toward the upcoming governorship election in Osun State, where incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is seeking re-election.

The campaign window for presidential and National Assembly contestants is scheduled to open on August 19, 2026, followed by a second phase for governorship and State House of Assembly elections on September 9. The 2027 cycle is expected to be highly competitive, featuring incumbent President Bola Tinubu seeking re-election against challengers including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.