Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has released the Notice of Election, alongside the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, fixing the presidential and National Assembly polls for February 20, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who announced the decision at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, said Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place March 6, 2027.
According to him, by the viture of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(as amended), the tenure of the President, Vice president, Governors and Deputy Governors of the state of the federation (except Anambra,Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo,Kogi Ondo and Osun states) will expire on May 28, 2027, while members of the National abd state Assemblies will stand dissolved on June 8,2027.
The announcement comes barely 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a total budget of ₦873,778,401,602.08 for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan cited Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to publish election notices not later than 360 days before the date appointed for elections.
The INEC Chairman reiterated that fixing election dates remains the exclusive constitutional responsibility of INEC, adding that elections will be conducted nationwide for the office of the President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors, Members of the Senate, Members of the House of Representatives And Members of State Houses of Assembly.
“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors of States of the Federation (except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun States) will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027 while membership of the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on the 8th day of June, 2027.
“Pursuant to Sections 76(2), 116 (2), 132 (2) and 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than One Hundred and Fifty (150) days and not later than Thirty (30) days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office,” he said.
He stated that the election timetable complies with relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which stipulates that elections must hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of current office holders’ tenure.
According to him, the detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to the Commission’s website and circulated to registered political parties and stakeholders.
The Commission also directed Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to publish election notices in their respective constituencies.
INEC maintained that political parties must submit nomination forms within the timelines specified in the election schedule, while campaigns will begin and end in accordance with provisions of the Electoral Act, concluding 24 hours before election day.
The Commission also addressed ongoing discussions surrounding the Electoral Amendment Bill pending before the National Assembly, noting that while reforms are welcome, INEC must continue to operate within the framework of existing laws until amendments are enacted.
Amupitan stressed that early release of the election timetable allows political parties, civil society groups, and voters adequate time to prepare.
He pledged continued engagement with stakeholders to strengthen transparency, voter education, voter register updates, and collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections.
He also urged political parties to conduct credible and peaceful primaries and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, while candidates and supporters were called upon to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to impartiality, professionalism, and adherence to constitutional and statutory provisions in conducting the elections.
He added that successful elections require cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society organizations, and amongst others.