ABUJA: Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has scheduled the country’s next presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, announced the timetable at a press briefing in Abuja, explaining that the decision aligns with constitutional provisions and the requirements of the Electoral Act, which mandate early publication of election notices.
According to the commission, the elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, National Assembly members, governors and deputy governors except in states where off-cycle governorship elections apply as well as State Houses of Assembly seats across Nigeria.
Amupitan stated that the timetable has already been uploaded to INEC’s official platforms and circulated to political parties and relevant stakeholders to enable adequate preparation.
He emphasised that the early announcement demonstrates the commission’s commitment to transparency, credibility and strict adherence to the law.
Addressing concerns over delays in amendments to the Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly, the INEC chairman said the commission would continue to operate within existing legal provisions while remaining open to reforms that could strengthen the electoral process.
He added that party primaries, submission of nomination forms and campaign activities will follow statutory timelines, warning political parties to comply strictly with electoral regulations.
INEC also called on security agencies, government institutions, civil society organisations, the media, candidates and voters to support peaceful and credible elections, describing the 2027 polls as a collective national responsibility.
