The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6, 2027, for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the dates on Friday in Abuja while formally releasing the Notice of Election and the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan described the announcement as a constitutional obligation and “a significant milestone in our democratic journey.”
“The release of the Notice of Election complies strictly with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires publication not later than 360 days before the election,” he said.
The elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, governors and deputy governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States), and members of State Houses of Assembly.
Addressing speculation over election dates, the INEC chairman warned against unofficial schedules circulated in the public space.
“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation, with some persons attempting to preempt the Commission by circulating unofficial timetables. These actions are misleading and orchestrated by detractors,” Amupitan said.
“Only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.”
He noted that the Commission is monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act before the National Assembly but would continue to operate within the existing legal framework until any changes are enacted.
“The timely announcement allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately,” he added.
Under the approved timetable, political parties are required to conduct primaries within the statutory period, submit nomination forms within the designated window, and commence campaigns as provided by law, ending 24 hours before election day.
Amupitan warned that the Commission would enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.
He also outlined INEC’s priorities for the 2027 polls, including expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency, continuous updating of the national voters register, strengthened collaboration with security agencies, and intensified voter education and stakeholder engagement.
The INEC chairman 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.
“The 2027 General Elections are a collective national responsibility. Government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups, and Nigerians must play their roles in safeguarding the integrity of the process,” he said.
“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.”
