The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has officially unveiled the Notice of Election and the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, fixing February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Prof. Amupitan described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and said it fulfills the Commission’s constitutional responsibility to provide early notice of elections.
According to INEC, the schedule is as follows:
Presidential and National Assembly Elections – February 20, 2027
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections – March 6, 2027
The elections will cover the offices of:
President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States)
Members of the Senate
Members of the House of Representatives
Members of the State Houses of Assembly
Prof. Amupitan explained that the release of the Notice complies with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires INEC to publish the notice not later than 360 days before the date fixed for an election.
He also addressed recent public speculation about possible election dates, stating that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix and announce election schedules.
“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” the INEC Chairman said, cautioning against reliance on unofficial information.
The Commission, he noted, is monitoring proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly. However, he emphasized that INEC will continue to operate within the framework of the existing law until any amendments are duly enacted.
Highlighting the importance of early preparation, Prof. Amupitan said the timely release of the timetable allows political parties, civil society organisations and voters to plan effectively for the electoral process.
Under the approved schedule:
Political party primaries must be conducted within the legally prescribed period.
Nomination forms must be submitted within the stipulated timeframe.
Campaigns will begin and end in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, ending 24 hours before Election Day.
The INEC Chairman warned that the Commission would strictly enforce compliance with electoral guidelines and timelines.
Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, he outlined key focus areas for the 2027 elections, including expanded deployment of technology to improve transparency, continuous updating of the National Register of Voters, collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful polls, and intensified voter education and stakeholder engagement.
He called on political parties to uphold internal democracy, conduct peaceful primaries, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric. He also urged citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
Describing the 2027 General Elections as a shared national responsibility, Prof. Amupitan appealed to government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups and the electorate to support efforts to safeguard the credibility of the process.
“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.
