The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has announced February 20, 2027, as the date for Nigeria’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the INEC Chairman unveiled the Notice of Election alongside the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
He described the announcement as a constitutional requirement and a critical step toward strengthening democratic governance.
According to the Commission, the election dates are 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 explained that the release of the Notice of Election complies with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires the Commission to publish the notice not later than 360 days before the election date.
Addressing recent speculation about the election timetable, the INEC Chairman cautioned against reliance on unofficial information. He noted that certain individuals had circulated unverified schedules, stressing that INEC alone has the constitutional mandate to fix election dates.
The Commission also confirmed it is monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. However, INEC emphasized that it will continue to operate strictly within the framework of existing laws until any changes are formally enacted.
Highlighting the importance of early notification, Prof. Amupitan said the announcement provides political parties, civil society organisations, and voters ample time to prepare.
Under the approved timetable:
Political parties must conduct their primaries within the statutory period.
Submission of nomination forms must adhere strictly to the designated timeline.
Campaigns will begin as stipulated by law and conclude 24 hours before Election Day.
The Chairman warned that the Commission would enforce compliance with all electoral regulations and deadlines.
Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, he outlined the Commission’s priorities for the 2027 elections, including expanded deployment of technology to boost transparency, continuous updating of the National Register of Voters, enhanced collaboration with security agencies, and intensified voter education and stakeholder engagement.
He urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy. He also appealed to Nigerians to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
Describing the 2027 General Elections as a shared national responsibility, the INEC Chairman called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups, and citizens to safeguard the credibility 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 truly reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he stated.
