The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, with governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls scheduled for March 6, 2027.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the election timetable in Abuja on Friday.
The announcement followed amid growing concerns over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.
INEC had on February 4 indicated that it had completed work on the election timetable and schedule of activities despite the delay.
The commission noted that it had submitted its timetable to lawmakers but cautioned that some items in the schedule of activities could be affected depending on when the amended Electoral Act is eventually passed.
“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.
He stated that the elections will fill the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors—excluding Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states—as well as seats in 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.
Amupitan disclosed that a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities had been uploaded on INEC’s website and distributed to political parties and other stakeholders, stressing that the early release underscores the commission’s resolve to conduct transparent and credible elections in strict compliance with the law.
On concerns surrounding the delay in passing the amended Electoral Act, he 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.”
He added that while INEC is ready to implement improvements once amendments are passed, it must operate within the framework of the current la
“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.”
The INEC chairman explained that, under the Constitution, the tenure of the President, Vice President, and most Governors and Deputy Governors will end on May 28, 2027, except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun. Membership of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, he noted, 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 further explained that political party primaries would be conducted within timelines prescribed by law, while the submission of nomination forms would open and close within a defined statutory window. Campaigns, he said, will commence on the legally approved date and end 24 hours before Election Day.
Amupitan urged political parties to strictly observe deadlines for primaries, nominations and campaigns, warning that the commission would enforce compliance where necessary.
He also appealed to security agencies, government institutions, the media, civil society organisations, candidates and voters to work collectively toward 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 heightened debate over the yet-to-be-passed Electoral Amendment Bill before the National Assembly. INEC had earlier indicated on February 4 that it had concluded work on the timetable and forwarded it to lawmakers, noting that certain aspects of the schedule could be adjusted depending on when the amended law is eventually enacted.
