The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed 20 February 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state House of Assembly polls scheduled for 6 March 2027, as preparations for the next general election cycle formally begin.
INEC Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, announced the dates on Friday in Abuja while releasing the Notice of Election and the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
Addressing political party leaders, civil society groups and journalists, he described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional duty aimed at strengthening the country’s democracy.
According to the Commission, the 20 February polls will cover elections into the offices of President and Vice President, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, while the 6 March elections will produce governors, deputy governors and members of state Houses of Assembly.
Governorship elections will not hold in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states because of their existing electoral timelines.
Prof. Amupitan said the release of the notice complied with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before the polls.
Addressing speculation about election dates, he said: “For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” adding that unofficial schedules circulating online were misleading and driven by detractors.
He reaffirmed that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.
The chairman noted that the commission is monitoring proposed amendments to the Electoral Act but would continue to operate under the current law until any changes are formally enacted.
He added, “The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately.”
Under the timetable, political parties are expected to hold primaries within the approved period, submit nomination forms within the designated window and conduct campaigns in line with the law, which requires campaigns to end 24 hours before election day. He warned that the commission would enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.
Prof. Amupitan also outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls, including wider deployment of technology to improve transparency, continued cleaning of the national voters’ register, stronger collaboration with security agencies and increased voter education. He urged political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and conduct peaceful primaries.
“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.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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