The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled Nigeria’s next general elections, fixing February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly polls, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the timetable at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, saying the decision was in line with constitutional and statutory requirements.
According to him, the commission is mandated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, to issue a notice of election at least 360 days before the date set for the polls.
Amupitan explained that the elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors — excluding Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states — as well as members of the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.
He said the commission had formally commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections, exercising its constitutional powers to set the process in motion.
A detailed schedule of activities has been published on INEC’s website and shared with political parties and other stakeholders, he added, noting that the early release of the timetable reflects the commission’s resolve to conduct transparent and credible elections in strict compliance with the law.
On concerns about delays in the passage of the amended Electoral Act, the INEC chairman said the commission remains committed to working within the existing legal framework while addressing any logistical challenges that may arise.
He stated that although INEC is ready to implement reforms that could strengthen the electoral system, it must operate in accordance with the current provisions of the law until any amendments are enacted.
Amupitan also clarified that the tenure of the President, Vice President, and most Governors and Deputy Governors will end on May 28, 2027, while members of the National and State Assemblies will conclude their terms on June 8, 2027.
Citing relevant constitutional provisions, he explained that elections must be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the incumbents’ tenure.
The timetable outlines the period for party primaries, submission of nomination forms and campaign activities. Campaigns, he said, will begin and end in accordance with statutory guidelines, with political parties required to conclude all activities 24 hours before Election Day.
He urged political parties to comply strictly with timelines for primaries, nominations and campaigns, warning that the commission would enforce the law where necessary.
Calling the 2027 elections a collective national responsibility, Amupitan appealed to security agencies, government institutions, the media, civil society groups, candidates and voters to work together to ensure peaceful and credible polls.
He assured Nigerians that INEC is fully prepared to deliver elections that reflect the will of the people.
The announcement comes amid debates over the delayed Electoral Amendment Bill currently before the National Assembly. Earlier this month, the commission said it had finalised the election timetable but cautioned that certain aspects of the schedule could be adjusted depending on when the amended law is passed.
