Presidential, National Assembly elections hold Feb 20, next year, INEC discloses

• Fixes Governorship, States’ Assembly polls for March 6

By Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

In exercise of the powers conferred on it by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2020, among others, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed February 20, 2027 for the conduct of both the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, who announced the date at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, also disclosed that the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be conducted on March 6 next year.

Amupitan explained that the dates reflect the commission’s commitment to ensuring that the nation’s electoral processes are transparent, credible, and adhere to the provisions of our laws.

In the words of the INEC Chairman, “It is with a deep sense of constitutional responsibility and commitment to democratic consolidation that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today (Friday), 13th February 2026, formally releases the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections- a significant milestone in our democratic journey.

“You will recall that for some time now, this has been a subject of speculation, and some people have even taken over the role of INEC by announcing their own date and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election. This was sharply countered by INEC as it was greatly misleading and orchestrated by detractors.

“At the Stakeholders’ meetings, which were held last week, I informed participants that the Commission was watching, with keen interest, the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022, at the National Assembly.

“We recognise the critical need for timely action to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of our electoral processes.

“It is imperative that the Commission acts swiftly to address any challenges arising from any delay that may result in logistical failure.

“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors of States of the Federation (except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun States) will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027 while membership of the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on the 8th day of June, 2027.

“Pursuant to Sections 76(2), 116 (2), 132 (2) and 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than One Hundred and Fifty (150) days and not later than Thirty (30) days before the expiration of the term of office of\` the last holder of that office.

“This action is taken pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate the Commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election.

‘The 2027 General Elections will hold nationwide for the following offices:

President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

Governors and Deputy Governors of the States of the Federation (except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun States);

Members of the Senate;

Members of the House of Representatives; and

Members of the State Houses of Assembly.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022 and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Elections and fixes the date for the 2027 General Elections as follows: Presidential & National Assembly- 20th February 2027

Governorship & State Houses of Assembly- 6th March 2027

“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.

“All the 36 Resident Electoral Commissioners and that of the FCT are directed to publish this Notice in each constituency in respect of which an election is to be held” hr said.

The success of the 2027 General Elections, the INEC Chairman pointed out, is a collective responsibility, stressing that government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, and indeed all Nigerians must play their respective roles.

He assured Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people.

Amupitan urged all political parties, candidates, and citizens to “begin preparing for this pivotal moment in our democracy”, adding, “Let us work together to ensure that the electoral process is peaceful, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people”.