The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally released the Notice of Election as well as the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, fixing February 20 and March 6, 2027, for the Presidential and Governorship polls.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at a meeting with political party leaders, civil society organisations, and members of the media, INEC Chairman Joash Ojo Amupitan, described the announcement as a constitutional obligation and a significant step toward consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the commission, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
INEC explained that the elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Governors and Deputy Governors, except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun states; Some Senaorial districts, constituencies for the House of Representatives; and State Houses of Assembly.
INEC Guidelines Amplified
Amupitan said the release of the notice was in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires the publication of election notices not later than 360 days before the election date.
Addressing speculation surrounding the election timetable, he said some individuals had circulated unofficial schedules in an attempt to pre-empt the commission, stressing that INEC remains the only body constitutionally empowered to fix election dates.
The chairman noted that the commission was closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly, adding that INEC would continue to operate within the existing law until any amendments are formally enacted.
He said the early release of the timetable would allow political parties, civil society organisations and the electorate to prepare adequately for the polls.
Under the approved schedule, political party primaries are to be conducted within the statutory period, while submission of nomination forms must comply strictly with the designated window. Campaigns, he added, will commence as provided by law and end 24 hours before election day.
Amupitan warned that the commission would enforce strict compliance with electoral laws and timelines.
Key Priorities for INEC in 2027 Election
Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, he outlined key priorities for the 2027 elections, including expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency, continuous updating of the national register of voters, strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful polls, and intensified voter education and stakeholder engagement.
He urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy, while appealing to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, the INEC chairman called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society organisations and Nigerians to safeguard the integrity of the process.
“As we commence this important national exercise, I assure Nigerians that the commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he said.
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While noting that its submissions had already been made to the National Assembly, INEC acknowledged that certain aspects of the schedule could be affected by the timing of the passage of the Electoral Act by lawmakers.
The commission also noted that under the leadership of former chairman Mahmood Yakubu, INEC had earlier fixed Nigeria’s general election dates for the next four decades as part of efforts to reduce voter anxiety and address logistical challenges for the commission and other stakeholders.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
