*TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE INEC CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR JOASH O. AMUPITAN, SAN, ON THE RELEASE OF THE NOTICE OF ELECTION AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS ON FRIDAY, 13TH FEBRUARY, 2026
The Honourable Commissioners
Honourable Secretary of INEC,
Leaders of Political Parties,
Civil Society Organisations
Directors
Technical Aides to the Chairman
Ladies and gentlemen of the press,
Esteemed stakeholders,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. It is with a deep sense of constitutional responsibility and commitment to democratic consolidation that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today, 13th February 2026, formally releases the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections- a significant milestone in our democratic journey.
You will recall that for some time now, this has been a subject of speculation, and some people have even taken over the role of INEC by announcing their own date and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election. This was sharply countered by INEC as it was greatly misleading and orchestrated by detractors.
2. At the Stakeholders’ meetings, which were held last week, I informed participants that the Commission was watching, with keen interest, the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022, at the National Assembly. We recognise 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
The 2027 General Elections will hold nationwide for the following offices:
President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;
Governors and Deputy Governors of the States of the Federation (except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun States);
Members of the Senate;
Members of the House of Representatives; and
Members of the State Houses of Assembly.
5. 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:
I. Presidential & National Assembly- 20th February 2027
II. Governorship & 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.
These dates reflect our commitment to ensuring that our electoral processes are transparent, credible, and adhere to the provisions of our laws.
6. 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.
7. However, I must also take a moment to address the current Electoral Amendment Bill that is pending in the National Assembly. This bill has sparked important discussions and concerns among various stakeholders in our democracy. We recognize the necessity of enhancing our electoral framework to ensure that it meets the ever-evolving needs of our society and reflects our aspirations for free, fair, and credible elections.
8. It is imperative to note that while we are eager to adopt any amendments that may strengthen our electoral processes, we must also 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 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.
9. As we move forward, INEC remains dedicated to engaging with all stakeholders to foster a transparent dialogue regarding the proposed amendments. We believe that collaboration and open communication are essential in shaping an electoral system that serves the interests of all Nigerians.
10. Political parties are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the timelines. The Commission will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law.
The Commission remains committed to:
Deepening the deployment of technology to enhance transparency in the electoral processs.
Ensuring the continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters;
Strengthening engagement with security agencies to guarantee peaceful elections; and
Expanding voter education and stakeholder collaboration to promote informed participation.
11. Let me reiterate that INEC is an independent body. We are guided solely by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and our Regulations and Guidelines. We shall continue to act impartially, transparently, and professionally in the discharge of our duties.
I call on political parties to conduct peaceful and credible primaries, to shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and to uphold internal democracy. I equally appeal to candidates, supporters, and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral cycle.
12. The success of the 2027 General Elections is a collective responsibility. Government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, and indeed all Nigerians must play their respective roles.
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.
13. In conclusion, I urge all political parties, candidates, and citizens to begin preparing for this pivotal moment in our democracy. Let us work together to ensure that the electoral process is peaceful, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.
On behalf of the Commission, I hereby formally release the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN
Chairman
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Abuja, Nigeria
13th February 2026.
DETAILS BELOW:
INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION
TIMETABLE AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR 2027 GENERAL ELECTION
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.
The Commission is empowered by Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 to issue Notice for the elections not later than Three Hundred and Sixty (360) days before the date of the elections.
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 issues this Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
S/N ACTIVITY DATE REMARK
1 Notice of Election 13th February, 2026 Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides not later than 360 days before the election.
2 Submission of Political Parties’ Register of Members to the Commission Commencement date
22nd April, 2026
End
21st May, 2026 To enable Political Parties comply with the provisions of section 77(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
3 Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from the Primaries. Commencement date
22nd May, 2026
End
20th June, 2026 To enable Political Parties democratically nominate candidates for the election as required by Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
4 Submission of Forms EC9 and EC9A, 9B, 9C, 9D & 9E online (Nomination Portal). Presidential & National Assembly
9.00AM 14th July, 2026 –
6.00PM 28th July, 2026
Governorship & State Houses of Assembly
9.00AM 11th August, 2026 –
6.00PM 25th August, 2026 Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides for not later than 180 days before the election.
EC9 (Personal Particulars of Candidates).
EC9A, 9B, 9C, 9D & 9E (Names /List of Nominated Candidates).
Access code for the submission of nomination forms shall be available for collection from 13th July, 2026 at the Commission’s Headquarters.
5 Publication of Personal Particulars of candidates (EC9) by the Commission. Presidential & National Assembly
4th August, 2026
Governorship & State Houses of Assembly
1st September, 2026 Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides for the publication of Form EC9 within 7 days of receipt.
6 Last day for withdrawal by candidate(s)/replacement of withdrawn candidate(s) by Political Parties. Presidential & National Assembly
25th August, 2026
Governorship & State Houses of Assembly
22nd September, 2026 Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022 provides not later than 90 days to the election.
7 Last day for submission of Nomination forms (EC13A, 13B, 13C, 13D & 13E) by Political Parties. Presidential & National Assembly
27th August, 2026
Governorship & State Houses of Assembly
24th September, 2026 To enable Political parties comply with Section 30(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
8 Publication of final list of nominated candidates by the Commission. Presidential & National Assembly
15th August, 2026
Governorship & State Houses of Assembly
6th October, 2026 Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides at least 150 days before the day of election.
9 Commencement of Campaign by Political Parties in public. Presidential & National Assembly
23rd September, 2026
Governorship & State Houses of Assembly
7th October, 2026 Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. Campaign in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
10 Last day for submission of names of Polling Agents for the Election to the Electoral Officer of the Local Government Area by Political Parties. Presidential & National Assembly
22nd December, 2026
Governorship & State Houses of Assembly
5th January, 2027 Section 43 of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides for not later than 14 days before the election.
11 Publication of the official Register of Voters for the election by the Commission. 11th January, 2027 Section 10(4) & 44(b) of the Electoral Act 2022
12 Publication of Notice of Poll by the Commission. 21st January, 2027 Section 44(a) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides for not later than 14 days before the election.
13 Last day for campaigns by Political Parties. Presidential & National Assembly
18th February, 2027
Governorship & State Houses of Assembly
4th March, 2027 Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. Campaign in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
14 Date of Election Presidential & National Assembly
20th February, 2027
Governorship & State Houses of Assembly
6th March, 2027 Sections 76 (1) & (2), 116 (1) & (2), 132 (1) & (2) 178 (1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) empower the Commission to appoint dates for Presidential, Governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder/before the House stands dissolved.
*Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission
