The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 20, 2027, for Nigeria’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027, according to a timetable released on Friday in Abuja.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, announced the dates while formally unveiling the Notice of Election and the Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections before political party leaders, civil society organisations and journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the Commission, the February 20 polls will cover the offices of President and Vice President, as well as members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Governorship elections will be conducted on March 6 alongside State Houses of Assembly elections, except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states, where off-cycle governorship polls apply.
Prof. Amupitan said the release of the Notice of Election complies with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires the Commission to publish the notice not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the election.
He described the announcement as a constitutional obligation and a significant step in the electoral process, adding that only INEC has the legal authority to fix election dates.
The chairman also addressed recent speculation over the schedule, noting that unofficial timetables had been circulated prior to the announcement. He said such actions were misleading and reiterated that the Commission remains the sole body empowered to determine election dates.
INEC said it is monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly, but stressed that it would continue to operate within the framework of the existing law until any changes are formally enacted.
Under the approved timetable, political parties are required to conduct their primaries within the statutory period and submit nomination forms within the prescribed window. Campaigns are to commence and end in accordance with legal provisions, including the requirement that campaigning stops 24 hours before Election Day.
The Commission warned that it would enforce compliance with all electoral laws and timelines.
Outlining preparations for the polls, Prof. Amupitan said INEC would expand the deployment of technology to enhance transparency, continue the cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters, strengthen collaboration with security agencies, and intensify voter education and stakeholder engagement.
He urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries and uphold internal democracy, while appealing to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
The INEC chairman said the 2027 General Elections are a collective national responsibility and called on government institutions, security agencies, the media and civil society groups to support the process.
He assured Nigerians that the Commission is prepared to conduct elections that reflect the will of the electorate.
