By Palang Paul
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the timetable for the 2027 General Elections, scheduling the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls to follow on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, announced the dates during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday 13th February 2026, declaring the commission fully prepared for the exercise.
“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the tenure of the President, the Vice-President, the Governors, and Deputy Governors of states of the Federation will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027,” Amupitan stated.
He explained that the timing aligns with constitutional requirements, noting that elections must be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current tenure.
The INEC Chairman cited Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the commission to publish election notices not later than 360 days before the appointed date.
“Therefore, 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 of 2022, and all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 general election,” he declared.
Key Dates
· Presidential and National Assembly elections: February 20, 2027
· Governorship and State Houses of Assembly: March 6, 2027
Electoral Activities Timeline
Amupitan disclosed that the detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to INEC’s website and circulated to registered political parties and stakeholders.
According to the approved schedule, party primaries will be conducted within the statutory period stipulated by law, while submissions of nomination forms will open and close within designated windows. Political party campaigns shall commence on the date specified by law and end 24 hours before election day.
All 36 Resident Electoral Commissioners and the FCT Commissioner have been directed to publish notices in each constituency where elections will be held.
The INEC Chairman also addressed the Electoral Amendment Bill currently pending before the National Assembly, acknowledging the important discussions it has generated among stakeholders.
“We recognise the necessity of enhancing our electoral framework to ensure that it meets the ever-evolving needs of our society and reflects our aspiration for free, fair, and credible election,” he said.
Reaffirming the commission’s independence, Amupitan stressed: “Let me reiterate that the authority and power to publish the date of election is that of the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
The 2027 elections will cover the offices of President and Vice-President, Governors and Deputy Governors (excluding certain states), members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and state Houses of Assembly.
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