By John Umeh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that Nigeria’s next presidential election will hold on February 20, 2027, as part of the timetable released for the 2027 General Elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed the dates during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, formally setting the electoral process in motion.
According to the commission, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
Constitutional Backing
Amupitan explained that the timeline aligns with constitutional provisions governing the tenure of elected officials. Under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the tenure of the President, Vice-President, Governors, and Deputy Governors—except in states with off-cycle elections—will expire on May 28, 2027, while membership of the National and State Assemblies will end in early June 2027.
Citing Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2), and 178(2) of the Constitution, the INEC Chairman noted that elections must be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of current office holders’ terms.
INEC Reaffirms Independence
Reaffirming the commission’s authority, Amupitan stated that the power to fix election dates rests solely with INEC.
“The authority and power to publish the date of election is that of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” he said.
He added that the 2027 general elections will be conducted nationwide for the offices of:
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President and Vice-President
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Governors and Deputy Governors (except in off-cycle states)
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Members of the Senate
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Members of the House of Representatives
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Members of State Houses of Assembly
INEC said the detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to its website and circulated to registered political parties and relevant stakeholders.
The commission also directed all 36 Resident Electoral Commissioners, including that of the Federal Capital Territory, to publish official notices in their respective constituencies.
Amupitan stressed that the announced dates reflect INEC’s commitment to delivering a transparent, credible, and law-compliant electoral process in 2027.
