The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has announced February 20, 2027, as the date for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027.
Prof. Amupitan unveiled the Notice of Election as well as the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, describing the announcement as a major step in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He said the release of the timetable is in compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, which mandate the publication of election notices not later than 360 days before the election.
According to the Commission, the February 20, 2027 polls will cover the offices of President and Vice President, as well as members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The March 6 elections will be for Governors and Deputy Governors, except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states and members of the State Houses of Assembly.
Addressing speculation that had trailed the announcement of election dates, the INEC Chairman dismissed unofficial schedules circulating in some quarters, stressing that only the Commission has the constitutional authority to fix dates for national elections.
“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, describing attempts to preempt the Commission as misleading.
Prof. Amupitan noted that INEC is monitoring proposed amendments to the Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly but emphasized that the Commission would continue to operate within the existing legal framework until any new amendments are duly enacted.
He said the early release of the timetable would enable political parties, civil society organisations and voters to prepare adequately for the elections.
Under the approved schedule, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries within the statutory period, submit nomination forms within the designated window, and adhere strictly to campaign timelines. Campaigns, he added, will end 24 hours before Election Day in line with the law.
The INEC Chairman warned that the Commission would enforce compliance with all electoral laws and guidelines.
Outlining preparations for the 2027 polls, Prof. Amupitan highlighted plans for expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency, continuous updating of the National Register of Voters, strengthened collaboration with security agencies, and intensified voter education and stakeholder engagement.
He urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and uphold internal democracy, while calling on citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, the INEC Chairman appealed to government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups and Nigerians to work together to safeguard the integrity of the process.
“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.