The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections to hold on February 20, 2027.
Governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls scheduled were fixed for March 6, 2027.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, unveiled the election timetable at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
He said “This action is taken pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate the Commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election,”
According to him, the elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun states), members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.
“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, and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Elections,” he added.
Amupitan said a detailed timetable and schedule of activities had been uploaded to INEC’s official website and circulated to political parties and stakeholders.
He said the early announcement demonstrates the commission’s commitment to ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, credible, and in strict adherence to the law.
Addressing concerns over the delay in passing the amended Electoral Act, he said, “We recognise the critical need for timely action to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of our electoral processes. It is imperative that the Commission acts swiftly to address any challenges arising from any delay that may result in logistical failure.”
On the pending Electoral Amendment Bill, Amupitan said, “While we are eager to adopt any amendments that may strengthen our electoral processes, we must act in accordance with the existing provisions of the Electoral Act.
“As an independent electoral body, we are committed to upholding the rule of law. The timely announcement of the election date is a critical step, allowing political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately.”
