INEC unveils 2027 election timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election.

Chairman of the commission, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Friday during a news conference in Abuja, assuring Nigerians and political stakeholders that preparations for the next general elections are already underway.

The commission had earlier hinted that despite the delay in the passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly, it had already finalised its election timetable and schedule of activities.

According to the schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2027. Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow two weeks later on Saturday, March 6, 2027.

The commission also outlined the official campaign periods for political parties and candidates.

Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will run from November 18, 2026, to February 19, 2027.

Meanwhile, campaigns for the Governorship and State Assembly elections will begin on December 15, 2026, and end on March 5, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the respective election days.

As part of preparations for the polls, INEC announced that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will commence in April 2026 and conclude in January 2027, giving eligible Nigerians ample time to register or update their voter information.

Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between July 1 and September 30, 2026, after which they must submit their lists of candidates to the commission between October 1 and October 31, 2026.

INEC noted that while it has made necessary submissions to lawmakers, some activities captured in the election schedule could still be affected depending on when the National Assembly concludes work on the amended electoral law.

The move is coming amid growing political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties expected to begin early consultations, alliance talks, and internal strategies as the race gradually gathers momentum.