The Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday in Abuja fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls will take place on March 6, 2027.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a news conference where he unveiled the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
He said the decision followed constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act which require the commission to publish a notice of election not later than 360 days before the scheduled date.
According to him, the elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors in states where tenures are ending, as well as members of the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.
The INEC chairman explained that the tenure 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 have their terms expire on June 8, 2027.
He stated that the Constitution provides that elections must hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the end of the current office holders’ terms.
He added that a detailed schedule of activities has been uploaded on the commission’s website and shared with political parties and other stakeholders.
The timetable includes dates for party primaries, submission of nomination forms and the official campaign period, which must end 24 hours before election day.
Amupitan said the early release of the dates is to allow political parties, civil society groups and voters to prepare ahead of time. He noted that although the Electoral Amendment Bill is still before the National Assembly, the commission must operate based on the existing Electoral Act until any changes are formally enacted.
He also said the commission is ready to address any logistical issues that may arise from delays in passing the amended law. INEC had earlier indicated that it had completed work on the election timetable and had submitted it to lawmakers, while warning that some aspects could be adjusted depending on when the amended Act is passed.
The INEC chairman called on security agencies, government institutions, political parties, the media and the electorate to work together to ensure peaceful and orderly elections in 2027.
He assured Nigerians that the commission is prepared to conduct elections that reflect the will of the people and comply with the law.