The Independent National Electoral Commission has not only fixed February and March 2027 for Nigeria’s general elections but also unveiled a comprehensive timetable detailing critical deadlines political parties must meet ahead of the polls, reinforcing early preparation and legal compliance.
Beyond announcing that presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on 20 February 2027 and governorship and state Assembly elections on 6 March 2027, the commission outlined preparatory activities beginning in April 2026.
Political parties are required to submit their membership registers between 22 April and 21 May 2026, followed immediately by party primaries and resolution of disputes from 22 May to 20 June 2026.
Subsequently, the nomination portal for presidential and National Assembly candidates will open on 14 July and close on 28 July 2026. Governorship and state Assembly nominations will run from 11 August to 25 August 2026, ensuring that parties complete candidate documentation within the statutory window.
In continuation of the schedule, publication of personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates is fixed for 4 August 2026, while those for governorship and state Assembly candidates will be displayed on 1 September 2026.
Deadlines for withdrawal of candidates fall on 25 August 2026 for national elections and 22 September 2026 for state elections.
Further compliance milestones require submission of final nomination forms by 27 August 2026 for presidential and National Assembly contests, and by 24 September 2026 for governorship and state Assembly races.
The final list of candidates is scheduled for publication on 15 August 2026 for national elections and 6 October 2026 for state elections.
Moving into the campaign phase, political activities are expected to commence between 23 September and 7 October 2026, depending on the category of election.
The commission will formally publish notices of polls on 21 January 2027 ahead of the presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to the electoral body, structuring these deadlines well in advance promotes orderliness, transparency and accountability. The commission urged political parties to strictly observe the timetable, stressing that adherence to the dates is essential for delivering credible elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.
