The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially scheduled Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will take place on March 6, 2027, Dip Connect Online News reports.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan announced the timetable during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, stating that the decision complies with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which require the commission to publish election notices at least 360 days before polling.
He explained that the elections will cover the offices of President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors (excluding states with off-cycle polls), as well as members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly. He added that the announcement formally sets the 2027 electoral process in motion.
According to the chairman, a comprehensive timetable and activity schedule has been uploaded to INEC’s official website and distributed to political parties and stakeholders. He warned that parties must strictly comply with statutory deadlines for primaries, nominations, and campaigns, stressing that the commission would enforce all legal provisions.
Amupitan urged government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society groups, candidates, and voters to support peaceful and credible elections, describing the exercise as a shared national responsibility. He assured Nigerians that INEC is fully prepared to deliver polls that reflect the will of the people.
The announcement comes amid concerns about delays in the passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. INEC noted it had already submitted its timetable to lawmakers but cautioned that certain activities could be affected depending on when the amendment is eventually approved.
He said the early release of the schedule demonstrates the commission’s commitment to transparency, credibility, and strict adherence to the law. He also reaffirmed that while INEC is ready to adopt reforms that strengthen elections, it must continue operating under existing legal provisions until amendments are enacted.
The chairman further clarified that, constitutionally, the tenure of the President, Vice President, most governors and deputies will end on May 28, 2027, while membership of national and state legislatures will dissolve on June 8, 2027. He noted that the Constitution mandates elections to be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of current officeholders’ terms.
Party primaries, submission of nominations, and campaign periods, he said, will occur strictly within the legally approved windows, with all campaigns ending 24 hours before Election Day.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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