The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially set February 20 and March 6, 2027 as dates for Nigeria’s next general elections, formally releasing the Notice of Election and the detailed timetable for the nationwide polls.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, announced the schedule on Friday in Abuja, describing the move as a constitutional obligation and a “significant milestone” in the country’s democratic journey.
Under the timetable, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for Saturday, March 6, 2027.
Amupitan said the Commission acted pursuant to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate INEC to publish a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for an election.
He noted that the tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors — except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states — will expire on May 28, 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on June 8, 2027.
Citing relevant constitutional provisions, the INEC chairman explained that elections must hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the last office holder.
“The Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Elections,” he declared.
Elections to be Conducted
INEC confirmed that the 2027 general elections will cover:
President and Vice President
Governors and Deputy Governors (except in off-cycle states)
Members of the Senate
Members of the House of Representatives
Members of State Houses of Assembly
The Commission said the full timetable has been uploaded to its website and circulated to all registered political parties and key stakeholders. Resident Electoral Commissioners across the 36 states and the FCT have also been directed to publish the notice in their respective constituencies.
Electoral Act Amendment
Addressing concerns over the pending Electoral Amendment Bill before the National Assembly, Amupitan said INEC has been closely monitoring legislative developments.
He stressed that while the Commission is open to reforms that strengthen the electoral framework, it must operate strictly within the existing provisions of the Electoral Act until any amendments are formally enacted.
“As an independent electoral body, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that our actions are guided by the established legal framework,” he said.
He added that the early release of the timetable would enable political parties, civil society organisations and voters to prepare adequately for the polls.
Timelines for Parties, Campaigns
According to the Commission, party primaries must be conducted within the statutory period stipulated by law. The submission of nomination forms will open and close within the window provided in the schedule.
Campaigns by political parties will commence on dates specified by law and must end 24 hours before election day.
Amupitan warned political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines, stressing that the Commission “will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law.”
Technology, Security, Voter Register
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to:
Deepening the deployment of technology to enhance transparency
Continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters
Strengthening collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful polls
Expanding voter education and stakeholder engagement
He reiterated INEC’s independence, insisting that the Commission would remain guided solely by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its regulations and guidelines.
Call for Peaceful Conduct
Amupitan urged political parties to conduct credible and peaceful primaries, shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy.
He also appealed to candidates, supporters and the electorate to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
“The success of the 2027 General Elections is a collective responsibility,” he said, calling on government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society and Nigerians at large to play their roles.
Declaring the electoral process formally underway, the INEC chairman assured Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared to deliver elections that reflect “the sovereign will of the people.”
