INEC schedules 2027 presidential, national assembly elections for February 20

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027

The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

Election dates and scope

Prof. Amupitan explained that the commission acted in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Constitution, which require publication of election dates at least 360 days before the polls.

“This early announcement ensures political parties, civil society organisations, and Nigerians have ample time to prepare for the electoral process,” he said.

The elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors (excluding Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun states), members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assemblies.

INEC urges credible and peace polls

INEC has also uploaded a detailed timetable of electoral activities on its official website and circulated it to all political parties and stakeholders.

Addressing concerns over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act, Amupitan said the commission would proceed according to the existing law to avoid logistical failures.

He stressed that party primaries, nomination submissions, and campaigns must comply with statutory timelines, warning that the commission would strictly enforce the rules.

The INEC Chairman urged government institutions, security agencies, media, candidates, and voters to support peaceful and credible elections, describing the 2027 polls as a “collective responsibility.”

He added that the commission is fully prepared to deliver a transparent electoral process that reflects the will of the people.