By Peter Omopo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, fixing February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly polls.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, announced the dates at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, dismissing earlier claims that the Commission had already unveiled the election schedule before its formal declaration.
According to him, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
Amupitan said the release of the Notice of Election and timetable was in strict compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended.
“It is with a deep sense of constitutional responsibility and commitment to democratic consolidation that the Independent National Electoral Commission today formally releases the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections,” he said.
He noted that the announcement had been subject to speculation, with some individuals allegedly circulating unofficial dates. He described such actions as misleading and orchestrated by detractors.
The INEC Chairman explained that the Commission had been monitoring the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act at the National Assembly but stressed the need to act within constitutional timelines to avoid logistical setbacks.
By constitutional provisions, he stated, the tenure of the President, Vice President, and most state governors and their deputies will expire on May 28, 2027, while 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 said elections must hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current office holders’ terms.
He added that Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act mandates INEC to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the appointed date.
The Commission has uploaded the detailed timetable and schedule of activities on its official website and circulated them to registered political parties and other stakeholders. Resident Electoral Commissioners across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have also been directed to publish the notice in their respective constituencies.
Amupitan said party primaries, submission of nomination forms, and campaigns would be conducted within the statutory periods outlined in the timetable, with campaigns ending 24 hours before Election Day.
Addressing concerns over the proposed Electoral Amendment Bill, the INEC Chairman acknowledged ongoing debates but maintained that the Commission must operate under the existing legal framework until any amendments are formally enacted.
“As an independent electoral body, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that our actions are guided by the established legal framework,” he said.
He urged political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines, warning that the Commission would enforce compliance where necessary.
Amupitan also reiterated INEC’s commitment to deploying technology to enhance transparency, continuously updating the National Register of Voters, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and expanding voter education.
He called on political parties to conduct peaceful and credible primaries, shun violence, and uphold internal democracy, while appealing to candidates and supporters to maintain decorum throughout the electoral cycle.
“The success of the 2027 General Elections is a collective responsibility,” he said, assuring Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared to deliver credible, transparent, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the people.
