Nigeria's electoral commission has rescheduled the country's next presidential election to January 16, 2027, advancing it from the previously announced date of February 20.

The change comes after criticism from parts of the Muslim community, as the initial schedule coincided with the holy month of Ramadan.

Political parties are expected to nominate their candidates between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

President Bola Tinubu, who won the 2023 election, is expected to seek a second term. Tinubu secured victory in the first round with approximately 36 percent of the votes cast, defeating former vice president Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.

Last week, Tinubu signed into law legislation allowing the real-time electronic transmission of election results, a move aimed at improving transparency.