The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan, on Friday formally released the Notice of Election and detailed timetable for the 2027 General Elections, fixing February 20 and March 6, 2027, for the nationwide polls.
Addressing stakeholders at a press conference in Abuja, the INEC chairman said the commission was acting in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.
The two documents mandate the publication of election notices not later than 360 days before the date of election.
According to him, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
He noted that the tenure of the President, Vice President, governors and deputy governors—except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states—will expire on May 28, 2027.
The National and State Assemblies will be dissolved on June 8, 2027, making the announced timeline constitutionally binding.
“Pursuant to Sections 76 (2), 116 (2), 132 (2) and 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than one hundred and fifty (150) days and not later than thirty (30) days before the expiration of the term of office of` the last holder of that office.
“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.
Earlier speculations dismissed
The INEC boss dismissed earlier speculations about election dates, describing them as misleading and orchestrated by detractors.
He said political party primaries, submission of nomination forms and campaigns would be conducted strictly within the statutory timelines provided in the schedule.
Amupitan warned that the commission “will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law.”
“In accordance with the approved timetable and schedule of activities, party primaries will be conducted within the statutory period stipulated by law.
“Submission of nomination forms by political parties will commence and close within the designated window as provided in the Schedule.
“Campaigns by political parties shall commence on the date specified by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.
Amid ongoing deliberations at the National Assembly on amendments to the Electoral Act, the chairman said INEC was closely monitoring developments.
Law-abiding umpire
He said the commission would continue to operate within the existing legal framework until any amendments are duly enacted.
The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to deploying technology to enhance transparency, continuously updating the National Register of Voters, strengthening collaboration with security agencies and expanding voter education.
“I must also take a moment to address the current Electoral Amendment Bill that is pending in the National Assembly.
“This bill has sparked important discussions and concerns among various stakeholders in our democracy.
“We recognize the necessity of enhancing our electoral framework to ensure that it meets the ever-evolving needs of our society and reflects our aspirations for free, fair, and credible elections.
Declaring the electoral process formally set in motion, he assured Nigerians that INEC remained independent and guided solely by the Constitution and the law,
Amupitan also pledged to deliver credible elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people.
