By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections. Meanwhile, governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the timetable on Friday in Abuja. According to him, the schedule complies with constitutional and legal provisions.
Furthermore, he said the commission acted within the timeline required by law. Consequently, political parties and voters now have clear dates to prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Constitutional Backing for 2027 Election Timetable
Amupitan explained that the announcement aligns with the 1999 Constitution, as amended. In addition, he cited Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
According to him, INEC must publish a Notice of Election at least 360 days before polling day. Therefore, the commission released the timetable early to avoid legal or logistical setbacks.
He stressed that INEC remains committed to operating within existing laws. However, he noted that any future amendments would be considered once passed.
Offices to Be Contested Nationwide
The 2027 elections will cover several key offices across Nigeria. Specifically, Nigerians will elect the President and Vice President.
Similarly, voters will elect members of the Senate and House of Representatives. In addition, elections will be held for State Houses of Assembly.
Governorship elections will also take place in most states. However, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun are excluded.
Tenure Expiration and Election Window
Amupitan clarified that the tenure of current executives ends in May 2027. Meanwhile, the National and State Assemblies will dissolve in June 2027.
Accordingly, the Constitution mandates elections within a specific time frame. Therefore, polls must hold not earlier than 150 days before tenure expiration.
Likewise, elections must not hold later than 30 days before the end of tenure. Consequently, the February and March dates fall within the legal window.
Party Primaries and Campaign Guidelines
INEC also outlined timelines for party primaries and nomination submissions. Specifically, parties must conduct primaries within the statutory period.
Afterward, parties must submit nomination forms within the approved window. Additionally, campaigns will begin on dates specified by law.
However, all political campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day. Therefore, parties must strictly comply with all deadlines.
Amupitan warned that INEC will enforce compliance without hesitation. Consequently, political parties must avoid actions that violate electoral regulations.
Electoral Act Amendment Concerns
The announcement comes amid concerns over the delayed Electoral Act amendment. Nevertheless, INEC confirmed it has completed the election timetable.
Earlier, on February 4, the commission indicated readiness despite legislative delays. However, some activities may change if amendments are eventually passed.
According to Amupitan, INEC submitted its timetable to the National Assembly for consideration. Meanwhile, the commission continues preparations under the current law.
Call for Peaceful and Credible Elections
Finally, Amupitan described the 2027 general elections as a collective responsibility. Therefore, he urged stakeholders to support peaceful and credible polls.
He specifically called on security agencies, the media, civil society, and voters to cooperate. Ultimately, he assured Nigerians that INEC is fully prepared for transparent elections.
