By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
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 Elections, fixing 20 February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the INEC Chairman described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the Commission, the elections will hold as follows:
Presidential and National Assembly Elections – 20 February 2027
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections – 6 March 2027
The polls 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 stated that the release of the Notice complies strictly with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires publication not later than 360 days before the date of the election.
He also addressed recent speculation over possible election dates, noting that certain individuals had circulated unofficial timetables in an attempt to pre-empt the Commission.
“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, describing such actions as misleading and orchestrated by detractors.
He reaffirmed that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.
The Commission disclosed that it is closely monitoring proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly.
While welcoming reforms that may strengthen the electoral framework, INEC stressed that it remains bound by 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 be conducted within the statutory period; Submission of nomination forms must strictly adhere to the designated timeframe; Campaigns will commence as provided by law and must end 24 hours before polling day.
The Chairman warned that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.
Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, he 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.
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Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, the INEC Chairman called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups and Nigerians at large to safeguard 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 declared.
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