The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 20, 3027 as the date to conduct the presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6, 2027, for governorship and State Assembly elections.
The Commission’s chairman, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, made the disclosure on Friday during a media parley at the electoral umpire’s national headquarters in Abuja, stressing that the move marks the formal commencement of the electoral process.
He said the release of the timetable followed constitutional and legal requirements, noting that the Commission acted in line with provisions mandating the publication of election notices ahead of polls.
“It is with a deep sense of constitutional responsibility and commitment to democratic consolidation that the Commission today formally releases the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections,” he said.
Amupitan dismissed earlier unofficial announcements of election dates, describing them as misleading and orchestrated by detractors.
He said INEC had also been monitoring deliberations at the National Assembly on proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, adding that the Commission must proceed under the existing legal framework while awaiting any changes.
“It is imperative to note that while we are eager to adopt any amendments that may strengthen our electoral processes, we must also act in accordance with the existing provisions of the Electoral Act,” he said.
According to him, the tenure of the President, Vice President, governors and deputy governors — except in off-cycle states — will expire on May 28, 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will be dissolved on June 8, 2027, making early preparations necessary.
The INEC chairman said party primaries, submission of nomination forms and political campaigns would follow timelines contained in the published schedule, with campaigns ending 24 hours before election day.
He warned political parties to comply strictly with the timetable, stating that the Commission would enforce the law where necessary.
“Political parties are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the timelines. The Commission will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law,” he said.
Amupitan also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to deploying technology to improve transparency, updating the national voters’ register, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and expanding voter education.
He called on political actors and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral cycle.
“I call on political parties to conduct peaceful and credible primaries, to shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and to uphold internal democracy,” he said. “I equally appeal to candidates, supporters, and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral cycle.”
Describing the elections as a collective national responsibility, he urged institutions, civil society groups, the media and citizens to play their roles.
“As we commence this 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 added.
The INEC chairman formally declared the Notice of Election and timetable released, urging all stakeholders to begin preparations for the 2027 polls in Nigeria.
