The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 20, 2027, for Nigeria’s next presidential election.
At a press conference on Friday, the commission announced that national assembly elections will hold on the same day.
Governorship Polls Set for March 6
Meanwhile, INEC fixed March 6, 2027, for governorship and state houses of assembly elections.
INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, said the commission chose the dates in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to him, the constitution requires elections to be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of current officeholders’ tenures.
Tenure Expiry Dates
Specifically, Amupitan said the tenures of the president, vice-president, governors and deputy governors — except those in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun — will expire on May 28, 2027.
In addition, membership of the national and state assemblies will dissolve on June 8, 2027.
Therefore, the commission acted within the constitutional window.
“In exercise of the powers conferred on the commission by the constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022, the commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 general elections,” he said.
He reiterated that presidential and national assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027. Subsequently, governorship and state assembly elections will follow on March 6, 2027.
Timetable Already Published
Furthermore, the INEC chairman said the commission has uploaded the detailed timetable and schedule of activities on its official website.
At the same time, INEC circulated the information to registered political parties and other stakeholders nationwide.
“These dates reflect our commitment to ensuring that our electoral processes are transparent, credible, and adhere to the provisions of our laws,” he said.
Warning to Political Parties
Consequently, Amupitan urged political parties to comply strictly with timelines for party primaries, submission of nomination forms and campaign activities.
He stressed that the commission will enforce compliance with the law.
Beyond that, INEC will expand voter education, strengthen collaboration with security agencies and deepen the use of technology to enhance transparency.
Ultimately, he said the success of the 2027 general elections depends on collective responsibility.
“The success of the 2027 general elections is a collective responsibility,” he said.
Accordingly, he called on government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and citizens to play their roles in ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
