By Emeka Amaefula
STAGGERED 2027 ELECTIONS: PRESIDENTIAL AND NASS ON FEB 20, MARCH 6 FOR GOVERNORSHIP TWO WEEKS LATER
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections, fixing Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Friday, February 13, 2026, by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, during a press briefing where he formally released the statutory Notice of Election in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2022.
In his address, Prof. Amupitan stated: “It is with a deep sense of constitutional responsibility and commitment to democratic consolidation that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today, 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.”
He further explained the legal foundation, noting that the release complies strictly with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication of the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the election date.
The February 20 polls will cover the offices of the President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as members of the National Assembly, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives. Two weeks later, on March 6, voters across the federation will return to the polls to elect State Governors and members of the various State Houses of Assembly.
INEC explained that the staggered arrangement is intended to ensure effective logistics management, improved security coordination, and enhanced operational efficiency nationwide. The Commission also detailed that political parties are required to submit their registers of members to INEC between April 22 and May 21, 2026. Party primaries, including the conduct of primaries and resolution of any arising disputes, are scheduled to hold between May 22 and June 20, 2026 (in line with statutory provisions). Submission of candidates’ nomination forms by political parties will then commence and close within the designated window as provided in the schedule. Campaigns by political parties for the Presidential and National Assembly elections shall commence on the date specified by law (around September/October 2026 in aligned reports) and end 24 hours before Election Day, with similar provisions adjusted for the staggered governorship polls.
Prof. Amupitan urged political parties to “conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy,” while assuring that “party primaries will be conducted within the statutory period stipulated by law” and “submission of nomination forms must comply strictly with the designated window.” He appealed to all stakeholders—including civil society organizations, security agencies, the media, and the electorate—to collaborate responsibly, reiterating that INEC remains fully committed to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections. He emphasized that “adherence to the timetable is mandatory” and any violation of stipulated deadlines would be treated in accordance with the Electoral Act.
With the release of the timetable, preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle have effectively commenced, setting the stage for what is expected to be another defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution under the banner of #NigeriaDecides2027.
— Emeka Amaefula
+234(0)8111813069
