The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced the timetable and schedule for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a Press Conference in Abuja on Friday 13th February, 2026, Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, dismissed earlier reports which suggested that the electoral body has already released the election timetable.
Amupitan explained that the release of the timetable for the general elections was in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, (as amended).
He disclosed that Presidential Election will hold on 20th February, 2027, while the Governorship, Senatorial and other elections will hold on the 6th of March, 2027.
With the publication of the Notice of Election, the INEC Chairman advised political parties to begin preparations for their party primaries which he said must be in line with the law.
“Political parties are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the timelines. The Commission will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law. I call on political parties to conduct peaceful and credible primaries, to shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and to uphold internal democracy,” he cautioned.
Prof. Amupitan further explained that the election dates were fixed in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, which requires INEC to issue a notice of election at least 360 days before Polling Day.
He also made clarification in respect of Anambra, Bayelsa and Edo States, which he said would continue with off-cycle elections because of court rulings on their tenures.