Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has formally released the Notice of Elections, Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027.
The timetable fixes the General Election Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly polls, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
Addressing a special press briefing in Abuja by the INEC boss monitored in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Friday, Prof. Amupitan described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional duty aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the Commission, the election dates are as follows: Presidential and National Assembly Elections February 20, 2027; Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections are slated for March 6, 2027.
He said, the polls will cover the election 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 explained that the release of the notice strictly complies with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates INEC to publish election notices not later than 360 days before the poll date.
He dismissed recent speculations and unofficial timetables circulating on social media, stressing that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.
“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, describing such actions as misleading and orchestrated by detractors.
The INEC Chairman noted that the Commission is closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly, but emphasized that INEC would continue to operate strictly within the existing law until any changes are duly enacted.
“The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations and the electorate to prepare adequately,” he said.
The boss further stressed that, under the approved timetable, political party primaries must hold within the statutory period; submission of nomination forms must comply strictly with the designated window; campaigns will commence as provided by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.
Prof. Amupitan warned that the Commission would not hesitate to sanction any political party or stakeholder that violates the electoral calendar or the provisions of the law.
Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, he outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls, including: Expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency; Continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters; Strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections.
Others are; increased voter education and stakeholder engagement and urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and uphold internal democracy, while appealing to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, the INEC Chairman called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups and Nigerians at large to play their roles in safeguarding 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 declared.
