The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, with governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls scheduled for March 6, 2027.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the election timetable at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
“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, which mandate the Commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election,” he said.
He explained that 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), members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.
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.
Amupitan said a detailed timetable and schedule of activities had been uploaded to INEC’s official website and circulated to political parties and stakeholders.
He said the early announcement demonstrates the commission’s commitment to ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, credible, and in strict adherence to the law.
Addressing concerns over the delay in passing the amended Electoral Act, he said, “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.”
On the pending Electoral Amendment Bill, Amupitan said, “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.
“As an independent electoral body, we are committed to upholding the rule of law. The timely announcement of the election date is a critical step, allowing political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately.”
He explained that by virtue of the Constitution, the tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors, except those in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun will expire on May 28, 2027, while membership of the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on June 8, 2027.
“Pursuant to Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution, elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office,” he said.
He added that according to the approved timetable, party primaries will be conducted within the statutory period stipulated by law, while submission of nomination forms by political parties will commence and close within the designated window.
He also said campaigns by political parties, shall begin on the date specified by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.
He reminded political parties to adhere strictly to statutory timelines for primaries, nomination submissions, and campaigns, warning that INEC would not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law.
Amupitan further called on government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society, candidates, and the electorate to ensure peaceful, credible elections, describing the 2027 polls as a “collective responsibility.”
“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 growing concerns over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.
INEC had on February 4 indicated that it had completed work on the election timetable and schedule of activities despite the delay.
The commission noted that it had submitted its timetable to lawmakers but cautioned that some items in the schedule of activities could be affected depending on when the amended Electoral Act is eventually passed.
