The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that Nigeria’s 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the timetable at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, officially setting the electoral process in motion.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. However, the Commission confirmed it had completed work on the election timetable and schedule of activities as far back as February 4.
INEC noted that while it had submitted its timetable to lawmakers, some items in the schedule could be affected depending on when the amended Electoral Act is eventually passed.
Citing constitutional provisions, the INEC Chairman explained that the decision aligns with Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2), and 178(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulate that elections must be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of current office holders.
He also referenced Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to publish a notice of election not later than 360 days before the appointed date.
Reaffirming the Commission’s independence, Amupitan stated that the authority to fix election dates rests solely with INEC.
The 2027 general election will be conducted nationwide for the following offices:
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President and Vice-President
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Governors and Deputy Governors (except states with off-cycle elections)
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Members of the Senate
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Members of the House of Representatives
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Members of State Houses of Assembly
According to the Commission, primaries will be conducted within the statutory period provided by law, while submission of nomination forms by political parties will occur within designated windows in the approved timetable. Political campaigns will commence as stipulated by law and end 24 hours before election day.
INEC further directed all 36 Resident Electoral Commissioners and the FCT Commissioner to publish notices in their respective constituencies.
The detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to the Commission’s official website and circulated to registered political parties and relevant stakeholders.
Addressing the pending Electoral Amendment Bill, the INEC Chairman acknowledged ongoing discussions among stakeholders, noting the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework to meet evolving democratic expectations.
He emphasized that the announced dates reflect the Commission’s commitment to conducting transparent, credible, and legally compliant elections in 2027.
