The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has announced February 20, 2027, as the date for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, with Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls slated for March 6, 2027.
The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja during the formal release of the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
Describing the development as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey,” the INEC Chairman said the action was in strict compliance with constitutional provisions and aimed at deepening Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.
According to the Commission, the February 20 exercise will cover elections into the offices of President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The March 6 polls will elect Governors and Deputy Governors — except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states — alongside members of the State Houses of Assembly.
Prof. Amupitan explained that the release of the Notice of Election aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication of election notices not later than 360 days before the polls.
He addressed recent speculation over proposed election dates, noting that unofficial schedules had been circulated in certain quarters. The INEC Chairman reaffirmed that only the Commission possesses the constitutional authority to fix election dates, cautioning against misinformation capable of misleading the public.
The Commission, he added, is monitoring ongoing legislative amendments to the Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. While welcoming reforms that could strengthen the electoral framework, INEC emphasised that it remains bound by extant laws until any amendments are duly enacted.
Under the approved timetable, political parties are required to conduct their primaries within the statutory window and submit nomination forms within the designated period. Campaigns will commence and conclude in accordance with the law, ending 24 hours before Election Day.
Prof. Amupitan warned that the Commission would strictly enforce compliance with electoral guidelines and timelines.
Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, he outlined key priorities for the 2027 elections, including expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency, continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters, strengthened collaboration with security agencies to guarantee peaceful polls, and intensified voter education and stakeholder engagement.
He urged political parties to uphold internal democracy, conduct peaceful primaries and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric. Citizens were also enjoined to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
Describing the 2027 General Elections as a shared national responsibility, the INEC Chairman called on government institutions, the media, civil society organisations and security agencies to support efforts to safeguard the integrity of the process.
“As we commence this important national exercise, the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he said.
