INEC clarifies set dates for 2027 General Elections, addresses stakeholders’ concerns

*The Independent National Electoral Commission addresses public concerns arising from the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, which the Commission announced recently

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has addressed public concerns arising from the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections released recently, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of elections.

INEC restated that it developed the timetable in strict compliance with the timelines contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.

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The Commission also its INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, made since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held. Paragraph 2 of the Regulation provides.

It stated: “Election to the office of President and Vice-President, as well as National Assembly (NASS), shall hold on the Third Saturday of February of any General Election year, while election to the Office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two (2) weeks thereafter.”

Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, who explained this in a statement Friday, February 13, 2026, said accordingly, and in faithful observance of the extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.

Besides, the electoral umpire said notwithstanding the foregoing, it acknowledged certain concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances in Nigeria.

The statement further noted: “The Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.

“In view of these representations, the Commission is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.”

INEC as well reiterated its “unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Elections.

The Commission stated: ” “The public will be duly informed of any further developments.”