INEC Releases Timetable for 2027 General Elections, Sets Dates For Presidential And Governorship Elections

• INEC has fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls slated for March 6, as the commission moves early to kick-start preparations despite concerns over delays in the amended Electoral Act.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls are scheduled for March 6, 2027.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed the election timetable at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

“This action is taken pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate the Commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election,” he said.

Amupitan explained that the elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors — except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states — as well as members of the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on the commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Elections,” he added.

The INEC chairman said a detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded on the commission’s official website and circulated to political parties and other stakeholders, noting that the early announcement reflects INEC’s commitment to transparency, credibility and strict compliance with the law.

Addressing concerns over delays in the passage of the amended Electoral Act, Amupitan said, “We recognise the critical need for timely action to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of our electoral processes. It is imperative that the Commission acts swiftly to address any challenges arising from any delay that may result in logistical failure.”

On the pending Electoral Amendment Bill before the National Assembly, he added, “While we are eager to adopt any amendments that may strengthen our electoral processes, we must act in accordance with the existing provisions of the Electoral Act.

“As an independent electoral body, we are committed to upholding the rule of law. The timely announcement of the election date is a critical step, allowing political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately.”

Amupitan further explained that by constitutional provisions, the tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors — except those in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun — will expire on May 28, 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will be dissolved on June 8, 2027.

“Pursuant to Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution, elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office,” he said.

He added that party primaries, submission of nomination forms and campaign activities will be conducted strictly within the timelines stipulated by law, warning political parties that INEC will enforce compliance where necessary.

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Describing the 2027 polls as a “collective responsibility,” Amupitan called on security agencies, government institutions, the media, civil society groups, candidates and voters to work together to ensure peaceful and credible elections.

“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.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act, with INEC noting that while its timetable has been finalised and shared with lawmakers, some activities could still be affected depending on when the amendment is eventually passed.