INEC fixes Feb 2027 for presidential, national assembly polls

…conducts state gov’ship, state assemblies’ polls in March

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

Joash Amupitan, Professor and INEC Chairman, announced the timetable during a Press Conference in Abuja last week Friday, stating that the decision was in line with Constitutional Provisions and the Electoral Act, 2022.

He explained that the elections would cover the offices of President and Vice President, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as Governors, Deputy Governors and State Houses of Assembly, except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States, where off-cycle Governorship elections apply.

According to him, the Commission has formally set the electoral process in motion and released a detailed timetable and schedule of activities on its official website for political parties and stakeholders.

Amupitan said the early announcement reflects INEC’s commitment to transparency, credibility and strict compliance with the law, noting that the notice of election must be published at least 360 days before polling day.

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Addressing concerns over delays in the amendment of the Electoral Act, he stressed that the Commission would continue to operate within the framework of the existing law while remaining open to reforms that could strengthen the electoral process.

He added that party primaries, submission of nomination forms and campaign periods would be conducted within the statutory timelines, with campaigns ending 24 hours before election day.

The INEC chairman also called on security agencies, political actors, the media, civil society organisations and voters to work collectively to ensure peaceful and credible elections.

“As we commence this national exercise, the commission remains fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of Nigerians”, he said.

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