By Our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has formally released the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, setting February 20, 2027, as the date for both the Presidential and National Assembly polls.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, describing the announcement as a significant milestone in the nation's democratic journey and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the commission boss, Presidential and National Assembly Elections will on February 20, 2027, to be followed by Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections polls on March 6, 2027, saying that the elections would cover the offices of President and Vice President as well as Governors and Deputy Governors, leaving out Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states.
In addition, he said the poll exercises would also cover Members of the Senate, Members of the House of Representatives and Members of the State Houses of Assembly.
Prof. Amupitan emphasized that the release of the Notice complies strictly with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication not later than 360 days before the election date.
The INEC Chairman, who equally addressed recent speculation surrounding election dates, noted that some individuals had attempted to preempt the Commission by circulating unofficial schedules.
Amupitan described such actions as misleading and orchestrated by detractors, just as he reaffirmed that only INEC had the constitutional authority to fix election dates and assured that the commission was closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly.
While welcoming reforms that could strengthen the electoral framework, the INEC boss stressed the commission's obligation to operate within the existing law until any amendments were duly enacted.
"The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately.
"Under the approved timetable, 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," he said.
Amupitan, however, warned that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.
Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, Prof. Amupitan outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls, including:
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 and Increased voter education and stakeholder engagement.
The INEC chairman urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy, just as he appealed to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, Prof. Amupitan called on 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," he assured.
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