By Tony Ezike
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday formally released the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, setting the process in motion in line with constitutional and legal provisions.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, announced this during a press conference in Abuja, describing the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said the release followed weeks of speculation in the public space, noting that the Commission had earlier cautioned against unauthorized announcements of election dates and schedules, which he described as misleading.
According to the chairman, the Commission is closely monitoring the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022, at the National Assembly, stressing the need for timely legislative action to avoid logistical challenges that could undermine the electoral process.
Amupitan explained that, under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors, except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States, will expire on May 28, 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will be dissolved on June 8, 2027. Consequently, elections must hold within the constitutionally prescribed window of 150 to 30 days before the expiration of office tenures.
He announced that the 2027 General Elections would be conducted nationwide for the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors (where applicable), members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.
INEC fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
The INEC chairman disclosed that the detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to the Commission’s official website and circulated to all registered political parties and relevant stakeholders. He added that Resident Electoral Commissioners in the 36 states and the FCT have been directed to publish the Notice of Election in their respective constituencies.
He further stated that party primaries, submission of nomination forms, and campaigns would be conducted strictly within the timelines provided by law, warning that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance.
Addressing concerns around the pending Electoral Amendment Bill, Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to the rule of law, noting that while the Commission welcomes reforms that strengthen the electoral process, it must operate within the existing legal framework until amendments are duly enacted.
He reiterated INEC’s resolve to deepen the use of technology, continuously update the national voter register, strengthen collaboration with security agencies, and expand voter education and stakeholder engagement to ensure credible and peaceful elections.
Calling for collective responsibility, the INEC chairman urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy. He also appealed to candidates, supporters and the electorate to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.
“The success of the 2027 General Elections is a collective responsibility,” Amupitan said, assuring Nigerians of the Commission’s readiness to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people.
He formally declared the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections released, praying for peace and progress in the country.
