The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to address public concerns arising from the recently released Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of elections.
The Commission recalls that the Timetable was developed in strict compliance with the Timelines contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
The INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, made since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held. Paragraph 2 of the Regulation provides:
“Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as National Assembly, shall hold on the Third Saturday of February of any General Election year, while election to the Office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two (2) weeks thereafter.”
Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances. 
The Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.
In view of these representations, the Commission is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.
INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments.
Earlier, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, formally released the Notice of Election and Timetable and Schedule of Activities for 2027 General Elections, setting February 20, 2027, as the date for the Presidential and National Assembly
Addressing members of the press in Abuja the INEC Chairman described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the Commission: Presidential & National Assembly Elections – February 20, 2027 Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections – March 6, 2027The elections will cover the offices of: President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States).
Members of the Senate, Members of the House of Representatives, Members of the State Houses of Assembly.
Prof. Amupitan emphasized that the release of the Notice complies strictly with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication not later than 360 days before the election date.
