INEC fixes Feb 20, March 6, 2027 for presidential, governorship elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027; and Saturday, March 6, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections: as well as Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections respectively.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, unveiled the dates on Friday in Abuja during the formal release of the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.

According to him, the announcement followed weeks of speculation about the election dates.

“It is with a deep sense of constitutional responsibility and commitment to democratic consolidation that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today, 13th February 2026, formally releases the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections- a significant milestone in our democratic journey,” Amupitan said.

He said that the decision was guided by constitutional provisions and 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 polls.

He said, “In exercise of the powers conferred on the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022 and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Elections and fixes the date for the 2027 General Elections as follows: Presidential & National Assembly- 20th February 2027; Governorship & State Houses of Assembly- 6th March 2027.

“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the tenure of the President, the Vice-President, the Governors, and Deputy Governors of states of the Federation, except Anambra State, Bayelsa State, Edo States, Ekiti States, Imo State, Ogi, Kondo, and National States, will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027.

“Membership of the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on the 8th day of June, 2021.

“Pursuant to Section 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 150 days, and not later than 30 days, before the expiration of the term of office of the holders.”

He said the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities had been uploaded to the Commission’s official website and circulated to all registered political parties and stakeholders, while Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) across the 36 states and the FCT had been directed to publish the notice in their respective constituencies.

The INEC boss also addressed the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act at the National Assembly, acknowledging stakeholder concerns about the proposed 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.

The INEC boss said that the timely announcement of the election dates would allow political parties, civil society organisations and the electorate to prepare adequately.

He also warned political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines outlined in the schedule.

“Political parties are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the timelines. The Commission will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law,” he cautioned.

While reiterating the Commission’s independence, he said, “Let me reiterate that INEC is an independent body. We are guided solely by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and our Regulations and Guidelines. We shall continue to act impartially, transparently, and professionally in the discharge of our duties.”

He urged political parties, candidates and supporters to shun violence and uphold internal democracy, stressing that the success of the 2027 General Elections would require collective effort.