2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS: INEC ANNOUNCES DATES, UNVEILS FULL TIMETABLE
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially released the Notice of Election and comprehensive Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, 20th February 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, 6th March 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed the dates during a press briefing at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, 13th February 2026. He described the announcement as both a constitutional obligation and a critical milestone in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Citing Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the Chairman noted that the Commission is mandated to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before Election Day. He further referenced relevant constitutional provisions which stipulate that elections must be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of current office holders’ tenures.
According to him, 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 28th May 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will be dissolved on 8th June 2027.
The Chairman emphasised that only INEC is constitutionally empowered to fix election dates and issue official timetables, cautioning against misinformation circulating in recent weeks.
KEY ACTIVITIES IN THE ELECTORAL TIMELINE
Party Primaries: 22nd May – 20th June 2026
Publication of Personal Particulars (Form EC9):
Presidential & National Assembly – 4th August 2026
Governorship & State Assemblies – 1st September 2026
Campaign Period:
Presidential & National Assembly – 23rd September 2026 to 18th February 2027
Governorship & State Assemblies – 7th October 2026 to 4th March 2027
Campaigns are required by law to end 24 hours before Election Day.
The detailed timetable has been uploaded to the Commission’s official website and circulated to all registered political parties and stakeholders nationwide. Resident Electoral Commissioners across the 36 states and the FCT have been directed to publish the Notice in their respective constituencies.
While acknowledging ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act by the National Assembly, the INEC Chairman assured stakeholders that preparations will continue under the existing legal framework to avoid uncertainty.
He urged political parties to adhere strictly to the timetable, conduct peaceful primaries, uphold internal democracy, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
INEC REAFFIRMS POSITION ON RESULTS TRANSMISSION
The Commission also clarified its stance on the transmission of election results for 2027.
Responding to journalists’ questions, Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed that results transmission will strictly comply with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2022, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines.
He confirmed that polling unit results will continue to be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), enabling real-time public access as part of transparency measures. According to him, technological safeguards have been strengthened to ensure integrity, authenticity and security in the process.
While emphasising that technology enhances transparency, the Chairman stressed that collation and declaration of results will follow legally prescribed procedures.
He dismissed claims of uncertainty regarding electronic transmission, assuring Nigerians that the Commission remains consistent in its lawful approach.
COMMITMENT TO CREDIBLE ELECTIONS
INEC reiterated its commitment to:
Continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters, expanded voter education and stakeholder engagement, enhanced collaboration with security agencies, deeper deployment of technology to improve transparency.
Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, Prof. Amupitan called on government institutions, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to contribute to a peaceful and credible process.
He assured Nigerians of the Commission’s preparedness and pledged that the 2027 elections will reflect the sovereign will of the people.
