The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday released its official Notice of Election and timetable for the 2027 General Elections, fixing *February 20, 2027* for the Presidential and National Assembly polls and *March 6, 2027* for Governorship and State Assembly elections.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional duty to consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. The elections will cover:
- President and Vice‑President
- Governors and Deputy Governors (excluding Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun)
- Senators and members of the House of Representatives
- State House of Assembly members
Prof. Amupitan stressed that the notice complies with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires publication at least 360 days before election day. He dismissed recent speculation and unofficial schedules circulating online, reaffirming that only INEC has the legal authority to set election dates.
“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.
The timetable mandates political parties to hold primaries within the statutory window, submit nomination forms on time, and start campaigns as allowed by law, with all activities ending 24 hours before each election. INEC will enforce compliance and has warned against any breach of electoral timelines.
Looking ahead, the Commission outlined key priorities for 2027:
- Expanded use of technology to boost transparency
- Ongoing cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters
- Strengthened collaboration with security agencies for peaceful polls
- Heightened voter education and stakeholder engagement
Prof. Amupitan urged parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy, while calling on citizens, media, civil society, and security forces to safeguard the integrity of the process.
