INEC Fixes February 20, 2027 for Presidential Election, March 6 for Governorship Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially fixed February 20, 2027, for Nigeria’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027.





INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, announced the dates on Friday in Abuja while formally releasing the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.

Describing the announcement as a major democratic milestone, the chairman said the publication complies with constitutional provisions and electoral laws guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

2027 General Election Dates

According to the Commission:

Presidential & National Assembly Elections – February 20, 2027

Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections – March 6, 2027

The elections will cover the following offices:

President and Vice President of Nigeria

Governors and Deputy Governors (except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States)

Members of the Senate

Members of the House of Representatives

Members of the State Houses of Assembly

Prof. Amupitan explained that the release of the Notice of Election strictly follows the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates that such notice be published not later than 360 days before the election date.

INEC Addresses Speculation

The INEC chairman also addressed recent speculation about the 2027 election timetable. He stated that unofficial schedules circulating online were misleading and reiterated that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.

“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, emphasizing that the Commission remains the sole authority empowered to announce election schedules.

INEC further confirmed that it is monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. However, the Commission stated it will continue to operate under the existing legal framework until any amendments are formally enacted.

Key Guidelines for Political Parties

Under the approved timetable:

Political party primaries must hold within the statutory period.

Nomination forms must be submitted within the designated timeframe.

Campaigns will begin as provided by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.

The Commission warned that it will strictly enforce compliance with all electoral laws and timelines.

INEC’s Priorities for 2027

Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s independence and neutrality, outlining major priorities for the 2027 polls, including:

Expanded deployment of technology to improve transparency;

Continuous updating and cleaning of the National Register of Voters;

Stronger collaboration with security agencies for peaceful elections;

Increased voter education and stakeholder engagement nationwide.

He urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and strengthen internal democracy. Citizens were also encouraged to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.

Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, the INEC chairman called on government institutions, security agencies, civil society groups, the media, and Nigerians to work together to protect the integrity of the democratic process.

“As we commence this important national exercise, the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he declared.