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Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other political contenders will know their fate on February 20, 2027, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially fixed the date for the next presidential election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the date on Friday at a press briefing in Abuja, formally setting in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Elections.

According to the commission, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.

Nigeria operates a four-year election cycle, with the last presidential poll conducted on February 25, 2023.

Amupitan said the announcement was made pursuant to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the commission to publish a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the election date.

He explained that the 2027 elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors — except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states — as well as members of the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.

“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, the Commission hereby sets in motion the electoral process for the 2027 General Elections,” he said.

The INEC boss disclosed that a detailed timetable and schedule of activities have been uploaded to the commission’s official website and circulated to political parties and key stakeholders.

He said the early announcement underscores INEC’s commitment to transparency, credibility and strict adherence to the law, even as he acknowledged concerns over delays in passing amendments to the Electoral Act.

“While we are eager to adopt amendments that may strengthen our electoral processes, we must act in accordance with the existing provisions of the Electoral Act,” Amupitan stated, assuring that the commission would address any logistical challenges proactively.

He further noted that, by constitutional provision, the tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors — except in the off-cycle states — will expire on May 28, 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on June 8, 2027.

Citing Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution, he said elections must hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the last office holder.

Amupitan added that party primaries and submission of nomination forms will take place within the statutory window, while campaigns will commence and end in line with the law — concluding 24 hours before Election Day.

He warned political parties to strictly comply with timelines for primaries, nominations and campaigns, stressing that the commission would enforce the law without hesitation.

Calling the 2027 elections a “collective responsibility,” the INEC chairman urged government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, candidates and voters to work together to ensure peaceful and credible polls.

“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,” he said.