By our correspondent
Ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) official August 19 kick-off date for the Presidential and National Assembly election campaigns, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured party members that it will soon unveil a detailed, nationwide campaign program.
The commission’s revised statutory timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections designated Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as the official start date for presidential and federal legislative campaigns, paving the way for the polls scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Monday following a three-hour National Working Committee (NWC) meeting at Muhammadu Buhari House, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Felix Morka stated that the ruling party is deliberately structuring its strategy before hitting the stump.
Acknowledging the designated launch date set by the electoral umpire, Morka clarified that the August 19 date marks the legal commencement of the campaign window rather than a mandatory requirement for parties to launch rallies immediately.
“August 19 is the date fixed by INEC for all parties to start the presidential and National Assembly campaign,” Morka explained. “There is no law that we must start on that day. The only thing is, no political party is permitted to start ahead of the day.”
The party spokesperson stressed that the ruling party is prioritizing thorough preparation and consultations over a rushed rollout.
“The party is coming up with a comprehensive and well-thought-out nationwide campaign schedule after necessary consultation with critical stakeholders and affected candidates,” Morka stated. “There is no law that says we must start on Wednesday.”
The official campaign window forms a major milestone in INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 General Election. Following legislative updates under the Electoral Act framework, key electoral activities have been scheduled as follows: August 19, 2026: Official commencement of Presidential and National Assembly election campaigns, while the commencement of Governorship and State Houses of Assembly election campaigns are slated for September 9, 2026.
The electoral umpire also fixed January 16, 2027 for Presidential and National Assembly elections and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will be held on February 6, 2027
According to electoral guidelines, all public political campaigns must cease 24 hours prior to Election Day. While opposition parties and candidates are expected to mobilize immediately, the APC’s upcoming release will detail its national rallies, regional flag-offs, and candidate tours across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
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