The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has officially launched preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, setting February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly polls, and March 6, 2027, for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Amupitan said the Commission’s decision aligns strictly with constitutional and legal requirements governing elections in the country.
He explained that under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the tenure of the President, Vice-President, Governors and Deputy Governors, except in certain off-cycle states, will end on May 28, 2027, while the terms of members of the National and State Assemblies will conclude shortly thereafter.
Referencing relevant constitutional provisions, the INEC Chairman noted that elections must be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current officeholders’ mandates.
He further stated that the Commission’s announcement complies with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires INEC to publish a notice of election at least 360 days before the scheduled date.
Amupitan emphasised that the power to fix election dates rests solely with INEC, reaffirming the Commission’s independence in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He outlined that the 2027 general elections will cover the offices of President and Vice-President; Governors and Deputy Governors in eligible states; members of the Senate and House of Representatives; as well as members of the various State Houses of Assembly.
Declaring the formal commencement of the electoral process, the INEC Chairman said the Commission had approved and released a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities, which have been uploaded to its website and distributed to registered political parties and other stakeholders.
He directed Resident Electoral Commissioners across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to publish official notices in all constituencies where elections will be held.
According to him, political party primaries will take place within the legally prescribed timeframe, while the submission of nomination forms will occur within designated periods stated in the approved schedule. Electioneering campaigns, he added, will begin and end in accordance with statutory guidelines, concluding 24 hours before polling day.
Amupitan also acknowledged ongoing deliberations at the National Assembly regarding amendments to the Electoral Act, describing the proposed reforms as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to conducting elections that are transparent, credible and fully compliant with the nation’s laws.
