Independent National Electoral Commission Sets Feb 20, 2027 Poll Date

Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has announced February 20, 2027, as the date for the next presidential and National Assembly elections, alongside a detailed timetable covering party primaries, campaigns and voting schedules.

According to the commission, governorship and State House of Assembly elections will take place two weeks later on March 6, 2027, completing the cycle of the 2027 general polls.

INEC said campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will officially begin on November 18, 2026, and end on February 19, 2027, one day before the election. Campaign activities for governorship and state assembly races will run from December 15, 2026, to March 5, 2027.

The commission noted that the structured timeline is intended to give political parties, candidates and voters adequate preparation time ahead of the nationwide exercise. The schedule also covers voter registration windows and internal party processes, aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral guidelines.

With the release of the timetable, political parties are expected to begin early strategic planning as attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 race, setting the stage for what is likely to be an intense electoral season across the country.