By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
ELECTION DATES for the 2027 general polls have been scheduled, with presidential and National Assembly elections fixed for February 20, 2027, and governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections set for March 6, 2027.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the timetable and issued a notice for the elections as its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan disclosed the schedule at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
INEC Chairman also stated that the Commission had completed work on the election timetable and schedule of activities and had submitted the timetable to the National Assembly of Nigeria (NASS).
He also cautioned that some items in the schedule of activities could be affected depending on when the amended Electoral Act is eventually passed.
INEC also refuted reports circulating in some quarters claiming that it had released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election.
In a statement released on Friday, the commission described the information as false and misleading.
“INEC has not released any timetable or schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election,” the statement reads in part.
The commission reiterated that it operates strictly within the provisions of the law, especially Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that it shall publish a notice of election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for a general election.
It stated that any timetable or schedule issued outside this statutory framework cannot emanate from INEC.
INEC further assured Nigerians that the official timetable and schedule of activities will be released in due course in full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the Electoral Act 2022 and said the information would be communicated through its established and verified channels.
The Commission then urged the public and the media to disregard fake reports and rely on its official platforms for updates.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that in a New Year message, Friday, Amupitan had restated the Commission’s resolve to conduct transparent, credible and inclusive elections in 2027 and said early steps were being taken to reinforce the integrity of the electoral system.
He described the year ahead as a time for fresh beginnings and a phase for strengthening institutional structures in preparation for the next general elections.
Reviewing operations in 2025, Amupitan lauded the Commission’s staff for their commitment and highlighted the successful conduct of the Anambra State governorship election, which took place shortly after he assumed office on October 23.
He said the exercise showed that through discipline, unity and professionalism, the Commission remains capable of safeguarding the integrity of the vote and strengthening public trust in the electoral process.
