The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally kick started the countdown to Nigeria’s next general elections, announcing February 20, 2027, as the date for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.

Chairman of the Commission, Joash Amupitan, unveiled the timetable during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, outlining a two phase election schedule that will see governorship and state assembly elections follow on March 6, 2027. 

According to him, the Commission is fully prepared to deliver the exercise within constitutional provisions.

“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the tenure of the President, the Vice-President, the Governors, and Deputy Governors of states of the Federation, except Anambra State, Bayelsa State, Edo State, Ekiti State, Imo State, Kogi State, Ondo State which will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027.”

“Membership of the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on the 8th day of June, 2021.

“Pursuant to Section 76(2), 116(2), 132(2), and 178(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days, and not later than 30 days, before the expiration of the term of office of the holders.”

Emphasising that the move aligns strictly with legal requirements, Amupitan added. “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,” he said.

Reaffirming the Commission’s autonomy in fixing election dates, the INEC Chairman declared.

 “Let me reiterate that the authority and power to publish the date of election is that of the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

He further clarified the scope of the nationwide exercise. “The 2027 general election will hold nationwide for the following offices: President and Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Governors and Deputy Governors of the states of the Federation, except those states I had mentioned; members of the Senate; members of the House of Representatives; and members of the Houses of Assembly of states.”

Providing further details, Amupitan stated.

“Therefore, 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 of 2022, and all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 general election, and fixes the date of the 2027 general election as follows: Presidential and National Assembly election will come on the 20th February, 2027; Governorship and State Houses of Assembly will be on the 6th March, 2027.

“The detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to the Commission’s website this morning, and have been circulated to registered political parties and relevant stakeholders.

“All the 36 Resident Electoral Commissioners and that of the FCT are hereby directed to publish the notices in each constituency in respect of which an election is to be held.”

He stressed that the timeline reflects the Commission’s commitment to credible polls. “These dates reflect our commitment to ensuring that our electoral processes are transparent, credible, and adhere to the provisions of our laws,” he added.

On party primaries and campaigns, Amupitan explained: “In accordance with the approved timetable and schedule of activities, primaries will be conducted within the statutory period stipulated by law. Submissions of nomination forms by political parties will commence and close within the designated windows as provided in the schedule, which I will just release. Campaigns by political parties shall commence on the date specified by law and end 24 hours before the election.

“I must also take a moment to address the current Electoral Amendment Bill that is pending in the National Assembly. This Bill has sparked important discussions and concern among the various stakeholders in our democracy.

“We recognise the necessity of enhancing our electoral framework to ensure that it meets the ever-evolving needs of our society and reflects our aspiration for free, fair, and credible election.”