INEC Sends Important Message to Political Parties after Releasing 2027 Elections Timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the dates on Friday in Abuja while formally releasing the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.

Describing the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey,” Amupitan said the early release of the timetable was in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the publication of election notices not later than 360 days before the date of the polls.

According to the Commission, the February 20 election will cover the offices of President and Vice President, members of the Senate, and members of the House of Representatives. The March 6 polls will elect Governors and Deputy Governors, except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states, as well as members of the State Houses of Assembly.

Addressing recent speculation over election dates, the INEC Chairman warned against the circulation of unofficial timetables, stressing that only the Commission has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.

“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, adding that such actions were misleading and orchestrated by detractors. He reaffirmed that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.

He sent a clear message to political parties, urging them to adhere strictly to the approved timetable. Under the schedule, party primaries must be conducted within the statutory period, while submission of nomination forms must fall within the designated window.

Campaigns, he added, will commence and end in line with the provisions of the law, with political activities ceasing 24 hours before Election Day. The Commission, he warned, would not hesitate to enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.

“The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately,” Prof. Amupitan noted.

Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, Prof. Amupitan outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls

Amupitan said INEC would prioritise expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency, continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections.

He also emphasised increased voter education and stakeholder engagement as critical to the success of the 2027 polls.

The INEC boss disclosed that the Commission is closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly, but stressed that it remains bound by existing laws until any amendments are formally enacted.

Calling the 2027 General Elections a collective national responsibility, Amupitan urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy.

Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, the INEC Chairman called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups, and Nigerians at large to play their roles in safeguarding the integrity of the process.

“As we commence this important national exercise, I assure Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” Amupitan declared.