INEC Sets February 20, March 6, 2027 for General Elections

Jane Salihu

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

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the dates on Friday in Abuja during a press conference to formally release the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.

Amupitan said the Commission’s action was in compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate INEC to publish the notice of election at least 360 days before polling day.

He explained that the elections would cover the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors of states, except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun—as well as members of the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.

According to him, the detailed timetable has been uploaded on INEC’s website and circulated to political parties and key stakeholders, while Resident Electoral Commissioners across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been directed to publish the notice in their respective constituencies.

The INEC chairman said party primaries, nomination submissions and campaign activities would be conducted strictly within the timelines provided by law, warning that the Commission would enforce compliance where necessary.

He also noted that INEC was closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act at the National Assembly but would continue to operate under the existing legal framework until any changes are enacted.

Amupitan reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deploying technology, updating the national voter register, collaborating with security agencies to ensure peaceful polls, and strengthening voter education and stakeholder engagement.

He urged political parties to conduct peaceful and credible primaries, avoid violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy, stressing that the success of the 2027 elections would depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

“We are fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he said.