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By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has formally released the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, fixing February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.
Speaking to political party leaders, civil society organisations and members of the media in Abuja on Friday, the INEC Chairman described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at further consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the Commission, the election schedule is as follows:
Presidential and National Assembly Elections – February 20, 2027
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections – March 6, 2027
The elections will cover the offices of:
President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States)
Members of the Senate
Members of the House of Representatives
Members of the State Houses of Assembly.
Prof. Amupitan said the release of the Notice complies strictly with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the publication of election notices not later than 360 days before the election date.
Addressing recent speculation over the election timetable, he noted that some individuals had circulated unofficial schedules in an attempt to preempt the Commission.
“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, stressing that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.
The Commission, he added, is closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly.
While welcoming reforms that could strengthen the electoral framework, INEC affirmed that it would continue to operate within the existing law until any amendments are formally enacted.
Prof. Amupitan said the early announcement would enable political parties, civil society groups and the electorate to prepare adequately.
Under the approved timetable:
Political party primaries must be conducted within the statutory period.
Submission of nomination forms must comply strictly with the designated window.
Campaigns will commence as provided by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.
He warned that the Commission would enforce strict compliance with electoral laws and timelines.
Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, the Chairman outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls.
These include expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency, continuous updating of the National Register of Voters, strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections, and intensified voter education and stakeholder engagement.
He urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and uphold internal democracy, while appealing to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, Prof. Amupitan called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society organisations and Nigerians at large 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.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
