INEC Releases 2027 Election Timetable, Sets Key Dates for Presidential, National and State Elections

 

INEC chairman.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the 2027 general election timetable, providing detailed schedules for the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, and State House of Assembly elections across Nigeria. The announcement was made by INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to the timetable:

• The Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 20, 2027.
• The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2027.

The timetable also outlines critical pre-election activities, including:

• Continuous Voter Registration and updating of voter data.
• Political party primaries, including submission of candidate lists.
• Publication of candidate lists by INEC.
• Campaign periods, with designated start and end dates for all candidates.
• Logistics preparations such as distribution of election materials, training of ad hoc staff, and accreditation processes.

INEC emphasised that the timetable has been made available on its official website and circulated to all registered political parties, Resident Electoral Commissioners, and state offices for public display. The commission urged political stakeholders and voters to familiarise themselves with the schedule and comply with the deadlines to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.

Prof. Amupitan noted that the timetable was released in compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022, which require INEC to provide sufficient notice of elections to enable participation by political parties and citizens.

The commission warned that failure to adhere to the timetable, especially by political parties or candidates, could lead to disqualification or other legal sanctions. INEC also appealed for peaceful engagement during the campaigns, urging all Nigerians to prioritise security, fairness, and transparency as the country approaches a critical democratic exercise.

The release of the timetable marks the beginning of the official countdown to Nigeria’s 2027 elections, giving all stakeholders more than a year to prepare for the nation’s next major democratic exercise.