The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed date for the 2027 Nigeria General Elections.
Nigeria’s electoral body fixed 20th February for Presidential and National Assembly Elections, 6th March for Governorship and State Assembly Elections.
The date for the 2027 General Elections was released by Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, Chairman of INEC, on Friday 13 February, 2026.
According to INEC: “The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has formally released the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, setting February 20, 2027, as the date for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.”
In his address to members of the press in Abuja, Amupitan described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey”, as well as, a constitutional obligation targeted at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.
INEC further disclosed: “Presidential & National Assembly Elections – February 20, 2027
“Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections – March 6, 2027
“The elections will cover the offices of:
“President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
“Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States)
“Members of the Senate
“Members of the House of Representatives
“Members of the State Houses of Assembly”
The INEC boss said, the disclosure of the elections timetable and schedule of activities is in “strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication not later than 360 days before the election date”.
In his “respectful observation” on X, Bashir Ahmad, former Special Adviser to Late former President Muhammadu Buhari, called for a reconsideration to the elections date, saying, the date falls within the holy month of Ramadan.
Ahmad said, the reconsideration will make sure of “broader participation and convenience for all citizens”, adding, Muslims make up a “significant” population in Nigeria.
In his reaction, Ahmad said: “This is a respectful observation following the announcement of February 20th and March 6th, 2027, as the date for the next Presidential and National Assembly and Governorship and State Assembly elections respectively.
“The proposed dates fall within the holy month of Ramadan, a period during which many Muslims devote significant time to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
“If the intention is to encourage full and inclusive participation in the electoral process, scheduling such a critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large segment of the population.
“Many Muslims tend to reduce engagement in demanding worldly activities during this period in order to focus on religious obligations.
“Given the significant Muslim population in this country, it may be worthwhile to reconsider the timing to ensure broader participation and convenience for all citizens.”
