INEC Announces Timetable for 2027 General Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, dismissed earlier reports suggesting that the Commission had already released the election timetable.

Amupitan said the formal release of the notice of election and schedule of activities was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended.

According to him, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state House of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.

“Today we formally release the notice of election and the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections, a significant milestone in our democratic journey,” he said.

He noted that there had been speculation in recent months, with some individuals allegedly announcing dates and schedules for the elections without the Commission’s authorisation.

“You will recall that for some time now, there have been speculations and some people have even taken over the role of INEC by announcing their own date and schedule of activities for the 2027,” he stated.

Amupitan stressed the importance of early action to safeguard the integrity and effectiveness of the electoral process, warning that delays could result in logistical challenges.

Citing constitutional provisions, he explained that the tenure of the President, Vice President, governors and deputy governors—except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states—will expire on May 28, 2027.

He said elections for those offices must be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current tenure.

The INEC chairman added that the Commission’s action was pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the publication of a notice of election not less than 360 days before the date appointed for the poll.

He stated that the 2027 general elections will be held nationwide for the offices of President and Vice President, governors and deputy governors (except in the states earlier mentioned), members of the Senate, House of Representatives and state Houses of Assembly.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 general election,” Amupitan announced.