The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 20, 2027 for the conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections, setting in motion preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the dates on Friday at a news conference in Abuja, citing constitutional and statutory provisions that mandate the commission to issue a notice of election not later than 360 days before the appointed date.
“This action is taken pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022,” he said.
According to him, the elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President; Governors and Deputy Governors — except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states — as well as members of the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.
Amupitan said the commission had uploaded a detailed timetable and schedule of activities to its official website and circulated same to political parties and critical stakeholders.
“In exercise of the powers conferred on the commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Elections,” he added.
He noted that the early announcement underscores INEC’s resolve to deliver a transparent and credible process in strict compliance with the law.
On the pending Electoral Amendment Bill before the National Assembly, the INEC chairman said the commission would proceed in line with the extant law while remaining open to reforms that could strengthen the electoral system.
“While we are eager to adopt any amendments that may strengthen our electoral processes, we must act in accordance with the existing provisions of the Electoral Act,” he said, stressing the commission’s commitment to the rule of law.
He acknowledged concerns over possible delays in the passage of the amended Electoral Act, warning that any protracted process could pose logistical challenges.
“We recognise the critical need for timely action to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of our electoral processes. It is imperative that the Commission acts swiftly to address any challenges arising from any delay that may result in logistical failure,” Amupitan said.
By constitutional provision, he explained, the tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors — except those in the exempted states — will expire on May 28, 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on June 8, 2027.
He cited Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution, which stipulate 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.
INEC, he added, has scheduled party primaries within the statutory timeframe, while submission of nomination forms by political parties will open and close within the period prescribed by law. Campaigns will commence as stipulated and end 24 hours before Election Day.
Amupitan urged political parties to adhere strictly to timelines for primaries, nomination submissions and campaigns, warning that the commission would enforce compliance.
Describing the 2027 polls as a collective responsibility, he called on government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, candidates and the electorate to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
“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.
The announcement comes amid mounting concern over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. INEC had earlier indicated that it had completed work on the election timetable and submitted it to lawmakers, while cautioning that aspects of the schedule could be affected depending on when the amendment is eventually passed.
