The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced February 20, 2027, as the date for Nigeria’s next presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday while formally setting in motion the electoral process for the 2027 general election.
Briefing journalists, Amupitan said the timetable was released in strict compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions guiding elections in Nigeria.
“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the tenure of the President, the Vice-President, the Governors, and Deputy Governors of states of the Federation… will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027,” he said.
He added that membership of the National and State Assemblies would stand dissolved in June 2027, in line with constitutional timelines.
Constitutional Backing
Citing Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2), and 178(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the INEC chairman explained that elections must be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of elected office holders.
He also referenced Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to publish a notice of election at least 360 days before the scheduled date.
“This action we are taking today is pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022,” Amupitan stated, reaffirming the Commission’s independence in fixing election dates.
Scope of the 2027 General Election
According to INEC, the 2027 general elections will be conducted nationwide for the following offices:
President and Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Governors and Deputy Governors (except in states with off-cycle elections)
Members of the Senate
Members of the House of Representatives
Members of State Houses of Assembly
Amupitan said the detailed timetable and schedule of activities had been uploaded to the Commission’s website and circulated to registered political parties and other stakeholders.
He directed all 36 Resident Electoral Commissioners and the FCT Commissioner to publish notices of election in their respective constituencies.
Next Steps and Electoral Reform
INEC said party primaries, submission of nomination forms, and campaign activities would be conducted within the statutory timeframes outlined in the approved schedule. Campaigns are expected to end 24 hours before election day.
The chairman also addressed the pending Electoral Amendment Bill before the National Assembly, acknowledging ongoing debates around proposed reforms.
“We recognise the necessity of enhancing our electoral framework to ensure that it meets the ever-evolving needs of our society and reflects our aspiration for free, fair, and credible elections,” he said.
The announcement effectively marks the official commencement of preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
