By Dennis Okechukwu
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, on Friday formally released the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, setting February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.
Addressing stakeholders at a press conference in Abuja, Amupitan said the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would follow on March 6, 2027.
He described the announcement as a constitutional obligation and a major step in Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that the Commission was acting in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, which require INEC to publish a notice of election not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the polls.
According to him, the 2027 general elections will be conducted for the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors in states where tenure expires in 2027, as well as members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
Amupitan explained that the tenure of the President, Vice President, most Governors and their deputies will expire on May 28, 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on June 8, 2027. He added that the Constitution mandates elections to be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current tenure.
The INEC chairman directed Resident Electoral Commissioners across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to publish the notice in their respective constituencies. He said the detailed timetable had been uploaded to the Commission’s official website and circulated to registered political parties.
He stated that party primaries, submission of nomination forms and campaigns would be conducted strictly within the statutory timelines, with campaigns ending 24 hours before Election Day.
Amupitan also addressed ongoing deliberations at the National Assembly over amendments to the Electoral Act, saying while INEC welcomes reforms that strengthen the electoral process, it must operate within the framework of existing laws until any amendment is enacted.
He warned political parties to adhere strictly to the published schedule, stressing that the Commission would enforce compliance with the law.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deploying technology to improve transparency, updating the national voter register, strengthening collaboration with security agencies and expanding voter education.
Calling for peaceful conduct throughout the electoral cycle, Amupitan urged political parties to conduct credible primaries and avoid violence and inflammatory rhetoric.
He assured Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared to deliver free, fair and credible elections that reflect the will of the people.