INEC Fixes Dates for 2027 General Election

 

INEC Fixes Dates for 2027 General Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced dates for the 2027 general election.

The INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday and monitored by RAYOPOST.COM, said the dates of the elections were fixed in line with the 2022 Electoral Act which stipulates the Notice of Election 360 days before the election.

Amupitan revealed that the Presidential and National Assembly Election is fixed for February 20,2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly will be conducted on March 6,2027 across the country.

Here is the speech of the INEC chairman

Pursuant to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and all other powers enabling the Commission in that regard, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Election.

Accordingly, the Commission has fixed the dates for the 2027 General Election as follows:

Presidential and National Assembly Elections – Saturday, 20th February 2027.

Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections – Saturday, 6th March 2027.

The detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to the Commission’s website this morning and are being circulated to registered political parties and other critical stakeholders. Resident Electoral Commissioners and the Electoral Officer for the Federal Capital Territory are hereby directed to publish the Notice of Election in each constituency where elections are to be held.

These dates underscore our firm commitment to conducting elections that are transparent, credible, and fully compliant with the provisions of the law and the approved timetable.

Party primaries shall be conducted within the statutory period prescribed by law. The submission of nomination forms by political parties will commence and close within the designated windows provided in the released schedule.

Campaigns by political parties shall begin on the date specified by law and end 24 hours before election day.

 

I wish to address the Electoral Amendment Bill currently before the National Assembly. The proposed amendments have generated important discussions among stakeholders in our democracy. The Commission recognizes the need to continually strengthen our electoral framework to meet the evolving expectations of our society and to further entrench free, fair, and credible elections.

While we are prepared to implement any amendments duly enacted into law, we remain guided by the existing provisions of the Electoral Act. As an independent electoral body, INEC is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all actions are anchored on the prevailing legal framework.

The timely announcement of election dates is a critical step in the electoral cycle. It provides political parties, civil society organisations, the media, security agencies, and the electorate sufficient time to prepare adequately for the exercise.

INEC remains committed to engaging all stakeholders in constructive dialogue regarding proposed reforms. Collaboration and open communication are essential to building an electoral system that serves the interests of all Nigerians.
Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the approved timelines. The Commission will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law where necessary.

We shall continue to deepen the deployment of technology to enhance transparency in the electoral process, ensure the continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters, strengthen collaboration with security agencies to guarantee peaceful elections, and expand voter education and stakeholder engagement to promote informed participation.
Let me reiterate that INEC is guided solely by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and our regulations and guidelines. We shall continue to discharge our responsibilities impartially, transparently, and professionally.

I call on all political parties to conduct peaceful and credible primaries, to shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and to uphold the principles of internal democracy. I also appeal to candidates, supporters, and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.

The success of the 2027 General Election is a collective responsibility. Government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, and indeed all Nigerians must play their respective roles as we commence this critical national exercise.

I assure Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people.
In conclusion, I urge all political parties, candidates, and citizens to begin preparations for this pivotal moment in our democracy.

Let us work together to ensure that the electoral process is peaceful, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.
On behalf of the Commission, I hereby formally release the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.