The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched electoral contests in the country’s history.
The announcement was made at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, in compliance with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.
Key Election Dates
According to the timetable released by INEC:
Presidential and National Assembly Elections: Saturday, 20 February 2027
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections: Saturday, 6 March 2027
The dates fall within the constitutional window requiring elections to hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current administration’s tenure.
Major Activities Leading to 2027 Polls
INEC’s schedule outlines a comprehensive roadmap that political parties, candidates, and voters must follow:
Continuous Voter Registration (CVR)
The Commission will conduct Continuous Voter Registration ahead of the polls, allowing eligible Nigerians to:
Register for the first time
Transfer voter details
Update personal information
Replace lost or damaged PVCs
INEC is expected to announce specific commencement and closing dates for CVR in due course.
Party Primaries
Registered political parties are required to conduct their primaries within the timeframe stipulated in the timetable. This process will determine candidates for presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly seats.
Submission of Candidate Lists
Political parties must submit the names of nominated candidates within the legally approved window. INEC will subsequently publish the lists to ensure transparency and allow for public scrutiny.
Campaign Period
Campaigns will officially commence after the publication of final candidate lists and must end 24 hours before election day, in line with electoral law.
Legal Backing
The release of the timetable complies with Section 28 of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates INEC to publish a Notice of Election at least 360 days before the election date.
Earlier in January 2026, INEC had dismissed reports circulating online claiming that the 2027 timetable had already been released, warning Nigerians against fake documents. The current release now serves as the official and legally recognized schedule.
What This Means for Nigerians
With the timetable now public:
Political parties can begin structured preparations.
Aspirants can align strategies with the legal calendar.
Voters can prepare to update or register their details.
Civil society groups can intensify voter education efforts.
The 2027 elections will determine Nigeria’s next President, governors, federal and state lawmakers, making the timeline a crucial roadmap for the nation’s democratic future.
INEC has urged all stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and adhere strictly to the law to ensure credible and transparent elections.
More updates on voter registration dates, party primaries, and campaign schedules will follow as INEC releases further details.
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