NIGERIA: INEC Schedules Presidential Poll for February 20

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Nigeria’s election cycle for 2027 has formally commenced following the release of the Notice of Election and a detailed timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, fixing dates for nationwide voting.

The commission announced that presidential and national assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are scheduled for March 6, 2027.

INEC chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey”.

He explained that the release fulfills a constitutional requirement designed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

The electoral exercise will cover the offices of president and vice president, governors and deputy governors, excluding Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun, alongside seats in the senate, house of representatives, and state houses of assembly.

Prof. Amupitan stressed that the notice aligns with constitutional provisions and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication at least 360 days before election day.

The commission says the timetable provides stakeholders with a clear framework to prepare for the polls as the country moves toward another democrat

ic transition.