*Govs, States Assembly to hold March 6
From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has released dates for the 2027 General Elections, as Presidential and National Assembly election will hold on the 20th February, 2027; while that of the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly is scheduled for 6th March, 2027.
Announcing this at the Commission’s Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja on Friday, Amupitan expressed that, the announcement is in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Sections 76(2), 116 (2), 132 (2) and 178 (2) as amended.
According to him, “By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors of States of the Federation (except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun States), will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027 while membership of the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on the 8th day of June, 2027.
“Pursuant to Sections 76(2), 116 (2), 132 (2) and 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than One Hundred and Fifty (150) days and not later than Thirty (30) days before the expiration of the term of office of` the last holder of that office.
“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.
“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 Elections and fixes the date for the 2027 General Elections as follows: “Presidential & National Assembly- 20th February 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly- 6th March 2027.
“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities have been uploaded to the Commission’s official website and circulated to all registered political parties and relevant stakeholders. All the 36 Resident Electoral Commissioners and that of the FCT are directed to publish this Notice in each constituency in respect of which an election is to be held”, he said.
INEC Chairman added: “in accordance with the approved Timetable and Schedule of Activities; Party primaries will be conducted within the statutory period stipulated by law.
Submission of nomination forms by political parties will commence and close within the designated window as provided in the Schedule. Campaigns by political parties shall commence on the date specified by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.
“As an independent electoral body, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that our actions are guided by the established legal framework. The timely announcement of the election date is a critical step in this process, allowing our stakeholders—political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate—to prepare adequately for the elections.
“Political parties are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the timelines. The Commission will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law”, he said.
He equally warned political parties to conduct peaceful and credible primaries, and shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and to uphold internal democracy. “I also appeal to candidates, supporters, and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral cycle”.
He however, assured Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people.
