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By Barth Ikiebe .
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 Election, setting February 20, 2027, as the date for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, the INEC Chairman described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the Commission:
* Presidential & National Assembly Elections – February 20, 2027
* Governorship & 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 emphasized that the release of the Notice complies strictly with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication not later than 360 days before the election date.
The INEC Chairman addressed recent speculation surrounding election dates, noting that some individuals had attempted to preempt the Commission by circulating unofficial schedules.
“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, adding that such actions were misleading and orchestrated by detractors.
He reaffirmed that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.
INEC is closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly.
While welcoming reforms that could strengthen the electoral framework, the Commission stressed its obligation to operate within the existing law until any amendments are duly 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 party primaries must hold 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.
The Chairman warned that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.
Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, Prof. Amupitan outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls, including:
* Expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency;
* Continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters;
* Strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections;
* Increased 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 Election as a collective national responsibility, the INEC Chairman called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups, and Nigerians at large to play their roles in safeguarding 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 assured.
