The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will hold on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
The dates were announced on Friday in Abuja by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, during the formal release of the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
Addressing journalists, Prof. Amupitan described the development as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and said it was in line with constitutional requirements designed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
The Commission stated that the February 20 poll will cover elections to the offices of President and Vice President, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The March 6 exercise will feature Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states, where governorship polls fall outside the general election cycle.
Amupitan said the publication of the Notice complies with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires the Commission to issue the notice not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the election.
He also addressed public debate over the election timetable.
“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, warning that unofficial schedules circulating in some quarters were misleading and driven by detractors. He maintained that only INEC has the constitutional mandate to fix election dates.
The chairman disclosed that the Commission is watching ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, before the National Assembly. While expressing support for reforms that may strengthen the legal framework, he noted that the Commission remains bound by the current law until any changes are formally enacted.
“The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately,” Prof. Amupitan noted.
Under the approved timetable, political parties are expected to conduct primaries within the period prescribed by law, while submission of nomination forms must be completed within the stipulated window. Election campaigns will commence and end in line with statutory provisions, with activities stopping 24 hours before polling day.
The INEC chairman warned that the Commission would enforce strict compliance with all electoral guidelines and timelines.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s independence and neutrality, listing key focus areas for the 2027 polls to include wider deployment of technology to promote transparency, continuous update of the National Register of Voters, closer collaboration with security agencies for peaceful conduct of the elections, and expanded voter education.
Amupitan urged political parties to organise peaceful primaries, shun inflammatory rhetoric and respect internal democratic processes. He also appealed to citizens to maintain calm throughout the electoral cycle.
“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.
