2019 Nigerian Elections Timeline and Economic Concerns

Nigeria’s electoral commission scheduled the 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections for 16 February, followed by governorship and state assembly polls on 2 March. Political parties were to hold primaries between 18 August and 7 October 2018. Presidential and federal legislative campaigns were due to run from 18 November 2018 until 14 February 2019.

Governorship and state assembly campaigns were scheduled from 1 December 2018 to 28 February 2019. Nomination forms were due by 3 December for presidential and National Assembly contests and by 17 December for state-level elections. The commission said fixed dates would give parties and other participants more certainty and allow systematic preparation for the polls.

Financial Derivatives Company chief executive Bismarck Rewane warned that uncertainty before the elections could reverse capital flows and weaken economic management. He expected foreign-exchange demand to rise alongside capital spending, with possible consequences for inflation and government contract awards. The timetable therefore arrived while analysts were concerned that political pressure could delay economic policy adjustments and reduce investor and consumer confidence.