INEC Fixes February 20, 2027 for Presidential Election, March 6 for Governorship Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially scheduled Nigeria’s next Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while Governor ship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027.
Global Mirror News gathered that the announcement was made on Friday February 13, in Abuja by the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, during a press conference where the Commission unveiled the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections.
According to Amupitan, the decision complies with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate the commission to publish a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the election date.
He stated that the elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as Governors and Deputy Governors—excluding Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States due to their off-cycle election timelines.
“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, 2022, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Elections,” he said.
The INEC chairman disclosed that a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to the Commission’s official website and circulated to political parties and key stakeholders Nationwide.
Commitment to Legal Framework
Amupitan emphasised that the early release of the election timetable demonstrates INEC’s resolve to ensure a transparent, credible and legally compliant electoral process.
Addressing concerns surrounding the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly, he said the commission would continue to operate under the existing legal framework until any amendments are formally enacted.
“We recognise the critical need for timely action to safeguard the integrity of our electoral processes. While we are eager to adopt amendments that may strengthen the system, we must act in accordance with the existing provisions of the Electoral Act,” he explained.
INEC had earlier indicated on February 4 that it had concluded work on the election timetable, noting that certain activities may be adjusted depending on when the amendment bill is passed into law.
Constitutional Timelines
The Commission clarified that, by constitutional provisions, the tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors—except those in the listed off-cycle states—will expire on May 28, 2027. Membership of the National and State Assemblies will be dissolved on June 8, 2027.
Citing Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution, Amupitan explained that elections must hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the last office holder.
Party Primaries, Campaigns
Global Mirror News further gathered that political party primaries will be conducted within the statutory period prescribed by law, while submission of nomination forms will open and close within the designated timeframe.
Campaigns by political parties are expected to commence as stipulated by law and will end 24 hours before Election Day.
INEC warned political parties to adhere strictly to statutory deadlines for primaries, nomination submissions and campaign activities, stressing that the Commission will enforce compliance where necessary.
Call for Peaceful Polls
Amupitan call on Government Institutions, Security Agencies, the Media, Civil Society Organisations, candidates and voters to work collaboratively to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
Describing the 2027 general elections as a “collective responsibility,” he assured Nigerians that the commission is fully prepared to deliver an electoral process that reflects the sovereign will of the people.
The announcement comes amid heightened public interest in electoral reforms and preparations ahead of the 2027 political season.
