INEC Fixes February 20 2027 for Presidential Election

By: Aremu Toyeebaht The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally set February 20, 2027, for the conduct of Nigeria’s next presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls will follow on March 6, 2027. Chairman of the commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, unveiled the timetable at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, declaring that the announcement effectively activates the 2027 general election process in line with constitutional and statutory requirements. “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,” he said. According to him, the polls 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, as well as 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,” Amupitan stated. He disclosed that a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities have been published on INEC’s official website and circulated to political parties and relevant stakeholders. The INEC chairman described the early release of the timetable as a demonstration of the commission’s resolve to conduct transparent and credible elections in strict compliance with the law. Addressing concerns over delays surrounding amendments to the Electoral Act, Amupitan stressed the need for proactive measures to avoid operational setbacks. “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,” he said. On the pending Electoral Amendment Bill, he added, “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.” Amupitan further clarified that, by constitutional provisions, the tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors — except those in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun — will expire on May 28, 2027. Membership of the National and State Assemblies will be dissolved on June 8, 2027. “Pursuant to Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution, elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office,” he explained. He noted that party primaries will be conducted within the statutory timeframe, while submission of nomination forms by political parties will open and close within the designated window. Campaigns are to commence and conclude strictly in line with legal provisions, ending 24 hours before Election Day. The INEC chairman urged political parties to comply with timelines for primaries, nominations and campaigns, warning that the commission would enforce the law where necessary. Calling for broad-based collaboration, Amupitan appealed to 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 “collective responsibility.” “As we commence this important national exercise, I assure Nigerians that the commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he said.