2027: INEC announces dates for presidential, guber polls

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, has announced February 20, 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6, 2027 for governorship and state House of Assembly polls.

Addressing political parties, civil society organisations and journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday, Amupitan said the action was in line with constitutional provisions and section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates INEC to publish the notice not later than 360 days before the election.

Amupitan said the commission was closely monitoring the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022 at the National Assembly, stressing the need for timely legislative action to avoid logistical setbacks.

He explained that by constitutional provisions, the tenure of the president, vice president, governors and deputy governors – except those in off-cycle states – would expire on May 28, 2027, while the national and state assemblies would stand dissolved on June 8, 2027. Elections, he noted, must hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the offices.

He added that party primaries, submission of nomination forms and campaigns would be conducted strictly within the statutory timelines in the published schedule, with campaigns ending 24 hours before election day as required by law.

On the pending electoral amendment bill, Amupitan said INEC would continue to operate within the existing legal framework until any amendment becomes law.

“As an independent electoral body, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that our actions are guided by the established legal framework,” he said.

He warned political parties to adhere strictly to the timelines, saying the commission would enforce compliance where necessary.

The chairman also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to expanding the deployment of technology to enhance transparency, continuously updating the national register of voters, strengthening collaboration with security agencies and deepening voter education.

“The success of the 2027 general elections is a collective responsibility,” he said, assuring Nigerians that the commission is fully prepared to deliver credible polls.

The detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to INEC’s official website and circulated to all registered political parties and resident electoral commissioners nationwide.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), while welcoming the release of the election timetable, urged the commission to give Nigerians clear assurances on the real-time electronic transmission of results.

The ADC, in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, noted that the credibility of the polls would depend not just on the timetable but transparent processes. He called on INEC to outline concrete safeguards against manipulation and call on the National Assembly to pass a binding legal framework to remove ambiguity around real-time electronic transmission.

“Of particular importance is the question of real-time electronic transmission of results. While the commission has indicated that it will operate within the ambits of the law, the current electoral act still leaves procedural discretion in critical areas that directly affect public confidence,” he noted. On their part, the both factions of the Peoples Democratic Party welcomed the release of the election and assured of their readiness to take part.

Reacting, the Director of Information of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bala Ibrahim, said the ruling party was ready for the general elections.

Speaking on phone with our reporter, he said, “You can see that the party has inaugurated the FCT Campaign Council. The party is already in top gear with regard to preparations for the forthcoming elections. From the outcome of e-registration, we are confident that our members are poised for good elections. They are very enthusiastic of victory. So, on the side of the party, we are good to go.”

Meanwhile, a former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to reconsider the proposed dates for the 2027 general elections, saying they fall within the holy month of Ramadan and may affect participation by Muslim voters.

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