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By Tracy Moses
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Friday announced that the 2027 General Elections will hold on February 20 and March 6, 2027.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the INEC Chairman said the Commission had formally released the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities in line with constitutional and statutory provisions.
According to him, “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 Elections.”
He declared that Presidential and National Assembly elections will be conducted on February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027.
“This action marks a significant milestone in our democratic journey. It reflects our deep sense of constitutional responsibility and commitment to democratic consolidation,” Amupitan said.
The INEC boss explained that the announcement was necessary amid speculation in some quarters over the election timetable. He cautioned against the circulation of unofficial dates, stressing that only the Commission is constitutionally empowered to fix election dates.
“You will recall that for some time now, this has been a subject of speculation, and some individuals have even taken over the role of INEC by announcing their own dates and schedules for the 2027 General Elections. This is misleading and orchestrated by detractors. The power to fix election dates resides solely with the Commission,” he said.
Citing relevant constitutional provisions, Amupitan noted that the tenure of the President, Vice President and most Governors will expire on May 28, 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on June 8, 2027.
“Pursuant to Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution, elections shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office,” he explained.
He added that the release of the Notice of Election complies with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the Commission to publish the notice not later than 360 days before the date appointed for an election.
Amupitan disclosed that the detailed timetable has been uploaded to INEC’s official website and circulated to all registered political parties and relevant stakeholders. He directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners, including that of the Federal Capital Territory, to publish the Notice in their respective constituencies.
On party activities, the Chairman said primaries must be conducted within the statutory timeframe, while submission of nomination forms by political parties will commence and close within the window specified in the timetable.
“Campaigns by political parties shall commence on the date provided by law and must end 24 hours before Election Day,” he stated.
The INEC Chairman also addressed the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly. He said the Commission has been monitoring developments closely and recognises the need for reforms that strengthen the electoral process.
“While we are eager to adopt any amendments that may enhance our electoral framework, we must act in accordance with the existing law. As an independent electoral body, we are guided solely by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and our Regulations and Guidelines,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the Commission remains committed to transparency, credibility and professionalism in the conduct of the 2027 elections.
“We remain committed to deepening the deployment of technology to enhance transparency in the electoral process, ensuring the continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters, strengthening engagement with security agencies to guarantee peaceful elections, and expanding voter education and stakeholder collaboration,” Amupitan said.
He warned political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines, stressing that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law.
“I call on political parties to conduct peaceful and credible primaries, to shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and to uphold internal democracy. The success of the 2027 General Elections is a collective responsibility,” he added.
Amupitan further appealed to candidates, supporters and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral cycle.
“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 said.
He formally declared the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections released.