Nigeria’s election umpire has officially set the dates for the next general elections, signaling the formal start of the 2027 political season.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Nigerians will vote for President and members of the National Assembly on Saturday, February 20, 2027.
Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, unveiled the timetable on Friday during a press conference in Abuja.
He said the decision complies strictly with constitutional and statutory requirements.
“This action we are taking today is pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, and in particular, Section 28, subsection 1 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the Commission to publish the notice of election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election,” Amupitan stated.
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution requires elections to hold within a specific timeframe before the expiration of current mandates.
Amupitan cited Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2), and 178(2), which mandate that elections must be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before tenure ends.
The tenure of the President, Vice-President, Governors and Deputy Governors—except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi and Ondo States—will expire on May 28, 2027.
Membership of the National and State Assemblies will dissolve on June 8, 2027.
Legal Framework and INEC’s Authority
Amupitan stressed that the power to fix election dates rests solely with INEC.
He reaffirmed the commission’s constitutional independence.
“Membership of the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on the 8th day of June,” he said, clarifying the timeline for legislative turnover.
He directed Resident Electoral Commissioners, including the FCT commissioner, to publish notices in their constituencies without delay.
He added that party primaries, submission of nomination forms, and campaigns must strictly follow the statutory windows in the approved timetable.
Campaign activities, he said, will end 24 hours before election day, in line with existing law.
The detailed schedule has been uploaded to INEC’s official website and shared with political parties and stakeholders.
The 2027 general election will cover the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors in eligible states, as well as members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.
Electoral Reforms and Possible Adjustments
The announcement comes amid debate over the Electoral Amendment Bill currently before the National Assembly.
INEC had indicated earlier in February that it had concluded work on the timetable despite legislative delays.
However, the commission warned that adjustments could be necessary depending on when the amended Electoral Act becomes law.
Political parties have urged lawmakers to fast-track deliberations to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Amupitan said INEC has worked meticulously to ensure a smooth process.
“The commission has worked meticulously to set the election timetable and sequence of activities to ensure a smooth electoral process in 2027. We remain committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections,” he said.
Pre-election activities will include continuous voter registration, party primaries, candidate nominations, and deployment of technology for voter verification and result collation.
INEC said preparations will be completed well ahead of the polls to guarantee transparency.
The 2027 schedule continues the long-term election planning framework introduced under former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu.
That approach aims to improve predictability and reduce logistical setbacks.
With the dates now fixed, political maneuvering is expected to begin in earnest nationwide.
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