Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially fixed February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for Governorship and State Assembly polls.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, announced the dates during a briefing with political party leaders, civil society organisations, and the press in Abuja on Friday, describing the announcement as a “significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
According to INEC, the 2027 elections will cover:
President and Vice President of Nigeria
Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun States)
Members of the Senate and House of Representatives
Members of State Houses of Assembly
Prof. Amupitan said the release of the Notice of Election complies with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, which require publication at least 360 days before the polls. He also dismissed recent unofficial election schedules circulating in the media, reaffirming that only INEC has the constitutional authority to set dates.
The Commission highlighted key priorities for the 2027 elections, including:
Expanded use of technology to ensure transparency
Continuous updating of the National Register of Voters
Collaboration with security agencies for peaceful elections
Increased voter education and stakeholder engagement
Prof. Amupitan urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, while appealing to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
“The formal release of the Notice of Election marks the official start of Nigeria’s 2027 electoral process,” he said, assuring Nigerians of INEC’s readiness to conduct credible elections reflecting the sovereign will of the people.
