Destiny Ugorji
The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially set February 20, 2027, as the date for Nigeria’s next Presidential and National Assembly elections, marking the formal commencement of preparations for one of the country’s most anticipated democratic exercises.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, announced the timetable on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja, describing the move as a crucial constitutional step toward strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
According to the electoral umpire, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow two weeks later on March 6, 2027.
Key Elections and Offices
INEC confirmed that the elections will determine leadership across multiple levels of government, including the offices of the President and Vice President, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as governors, deputy governors, and state lawmakers. However, governorship elections will not hold in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun states due to their existing electoral cycles.
Prof. Amupitan explained that the release of the Notice of Election complies strictly with constitutional provisions and statutory electoral requirements mandating publication at least 360 days before polling.
INEC Warns Against Election Date Speculation
The INEC chairman also addressed widespread speculation that had trailed unofficial election schedules circulated by certain groups. He dismissed such claims as misleading, emphasizing that only the Commission possesses the constitutional authority to fix election dates.
He noted that while INEC is monitoring proposed amendments to electoral laws currently before the National Assembly, the Commission remains bound to operate under the existing legal framework until any changes are formally enacted.
Timetable and Compliance Guidelines
Under the approved schedule, political parties are required to conduct primaries within stipulated timelines and submit candidate nomination forms within designated windows. Campaigns are expected to begin in accordance with electoral laws and must cease 24 hours before election day.
Prof. Amupitan warned that the Commission would enforce strict compliance with all electoral regulations, stressing that violations would attract sanctions.
Focus on Transparency and Security
Outlining INEC’s preparations, the chairman revealed that the Commission plans to expand technological deployment to enhance transparency, continuously update the national voter register, and strengthen coordination with security agencies to ensure peaceful polls.
He further pledged intensified voter education programmes and broader stakeholder engagement aimed at boosting public confidence in the electoral process.
Call for Peaceful Participation
Urging political parties to uphold internal democracy and conduct peaceful primaries, Prof. Amupitan also appealed to Nigerians to maintain calm throughout the electoral cycle.
He described the 2027 general elections as a collective national responsibility requiring cooperation from government institutions, security agencies, civil society groups, the media, and citizens.
“As we commence this important national exercise, I assure Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he stated.
The announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be another defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey as political stakeholders begin mobilization ahead of the 2027 polls under the banner
#NigeriaDecides2027.