2027: INEC Announces Dates For Presidential/NASS, Governorship/State Legislative Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday announced dates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections and the governorship and state legislative elections.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the chairman of the electoral body, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who announced the election timetable during the press conference he presided over in Abuja on Friday, noted that the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state legislative elections will be held on March 6, 2027.

‘This action is taken pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate the Commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election’ he said.

He noted that governorship election will not hold in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun states.

‘In exercise of the powers conferred on the commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Election’ he added.

Submitting that the decision to release the election timetable early demonstrates the electoral body’s commitment to ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, credible, and in strict adherence to the law, he also commented on concerns over the delay in passing the amended Electoral Act.

‘We recognize the critical need for timely action to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of our electoral processes. It is imperative that the Commission acts swiftly to address any challenges arising from any delay that may result in logistical failure.

While we are eager to adopt any amendments that may strengthen our electoral processes, we must act in accordance with the existing provisions of the Electoral Act.

As an independent electoral body, we are committed to upholding the rule of law. The timely announcement of the election date is a critical step, allowing political parties, civil society organizations, and the electorate to prepare adequately’ he said.

Professor Amupitan noted that by virtue of the nation’s Constitution, the tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors, except those in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun will expire on May 28, 2027, while membership of the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on June 8, 2027.

‘Pursuant to Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution, elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office’ he said.

Urging political parties to adhere strictly to statutory timelines for primaries, nomination submissions, and campaigns, Professor Amupitan warned that INEC will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law while noting that according to the approved timetable, party primaries will be conducted within the statutory period stipulated by law.

Submission of nomination forms by political parties will according to him commence and close within the designated window while campaigns by the political parties will begin on the date specified by law and end 24 hours before the Election Day.

He urged government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society, candidates, and the electorate to ensure peaceful, credible elections calling the 2027 General Election a ‘collective responsibility’.

‘As we commence this important national exercise, I assure Nigerians that the commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people’ he said-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you