Updated: INEC Announces Dates for 2027 Presidential, Governorship, Other Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally released the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections. The Commission has fixed February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly polls, and March 6, 2027, for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, announced the schedule during a briefing in Abuja, addressing political party leaders, civil society organisations, and members of the press. He described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.

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)

* Members of the Senate

* Members of the House of Representatives

* Members of the State Houses of Assembly

Prof. Amupitan emphasized that the release of the Notice complies with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication at least 360 days before an election.

Addressing recent speculation over election dates, he said that attempts to circulate unofficial schedules were misleading and reiterated that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.

The Commission is also monitoring proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly. Prof. Amupitan stressed that INEC will continue to operate within the current law until any changes are officially enacted.

Under the approved timetable:

* Political party primaries must take place within the statutory period.

* Submission of nomination forms must follow the designated window.

* Campaigns will begin and end as stipulated by law, concluding 24 hours before Election Day.

Highlighting preparations for the 2027 polls, the Chairman outlined priorities including:

* Expanded deployment of technology to improve transparency

* Ongoing cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters

* Strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections

* Increased voter education and stakeholder engagement

Prof. Amupitan urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy, while calling on citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.

Describing the elections as a national responsibility, he called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups, and Nigerians to help safeguard the integrity of the process. “The Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he declared.