The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, announced the dates on Friday while releasing the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections at a press briefing in Abuja.
He described the development as a significant milestone and a constitutional requirement aimed at strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
According to the commission, the February 20 polls will cover elections for the President and Vice President, as well as members of the Senate and House of Representatives. The March 6 elections will be conducted for governors and deputy governors — except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states — and members of the State Houses of Assembly.
Amupitan said the release of the notice complies with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires the commission to publish election notices not later than 360 days before the election date.
He addressed recent speculation about the election timetable, warning that only the commission has the constitutional authority to fix election dates. He described unofficial schedules circulating in some quarters as misleading.
The INEC chairman noted that the commission is monitoring proposed amendments to the Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly, but stressed that preparations will continue under the existing law until any changes are formally enacted.
He said the early announcement would enable political parties, civil society organisations and voters to prepare adequately. Under the approved timetable, political party primaries and submission of nomination forms must fall within the statutory period, while campaigns will begin and end in line with legal provisions, stopping 24 hours before election day.
Amupitan warned that the commission would strictly enforce compliance with electoral guidelines and timelines.
