The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, on Friday released the Notice of Election, the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.

The INEC Chairman, at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, noted that the announcement is “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.

The Commission listed the dates of the various elections as follows:

* Presidential and National Assembly Elections – February 20, 2027

* Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections – March 6, 2027

The elections will cover the offices of:

* President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

* Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States)

* Members of the Senate

* Members of the House of Representatives

* Members of the State Houses of Assembly

Prof. Amupitan remarked that the release of the Notice with the Timetable complies strictly with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication not later than 360 days before the date of election.

The INEC Chairman noted that some individuals had attempted to preempt the Commission by circulating unofficial schedules.
According to him, “for some time now, this has been a subject of speculation.” He said that such actions were misleading and orchestrated by detractors. He insisted that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.

Prof. Amupitan was of the view that “the timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately.”

The approved timetable stipulates that:

* Political party primaries must hold within the statutory period.

* Submission of nomination forms must comply strictly with the designated window.

* Campaigns will commence as provided by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.

Amupitan admonished that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.

Prof. Amupitan highlighted key priorities for the 2027 polls to include:

* Expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency;

* Continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters;

* Strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections;

* Increased voter education and stakeholder engagement.

The INEC Chairman encouraged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy. He appealing to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.

Prof. Amupitan expressed that the 2027 General Elections is a collective national responsibility. He, therefore, enjoined government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups, and Nigerians at large, to play their roles in safeguarding the integrity of the process.

“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,” Prof. Amupitan declared.