The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the announcement at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
He explained that the decision follows the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022, which require the commission to publish a notice of election at least 360 days before the election date.
According to him, the elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors, members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly. However, governorship elections will not hold in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun states because their election cycles are different.
Amupitan said the commission has already uploaded a detailed timetable and schedule of activities to its official website and shared them with political parties and other stakeholders.
He noted that announcing the dates early shows INEC’s commitment to conducting transparent and credible elections in line with the law.
Speaking on the delay in passing the amended Electoral Act, he said the commission understands the need for timely action to avoid any logistical problems. He added that while INEC is ready to adopt any new amendments that could strengthen the electoral process, it must continue to operate based on the current Electoral Act until a new one is passed.
He also explained that the terms of the President, Vice President, and most Governors and Deputy Governors will end on May 28, 2027, while members of the National and State Assemblies will complete their tenure on June 8, 2027. The Constitution states that elections must be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of their terms.
Party primaries, submission of nomination forms, and political campaigns will take place within the timelines set by law. Campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day.
Amupitan warned political parties to strictly follow the legal deadlines, saying INEC will enforce compliance where necessary.
He also called on government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society groups, candidates, and voters to work together to ensure peaceful and credible elections, describing the 2027 polls as a shared national responsibility.
The announcement comes amid concerns over the delay in passing the amended Electoral Act, which is currently before the National Assembly. Earlier in February, INEC said it had already completed the election timetable but noted that some activities could be adjusted depending on when the amended law is eventually approved.
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