INEC RELEASES FULL 2027 ELECTION PREPARATION TIMETABLE, FIXES PARTY CONGRESS FOR JULY 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the full preparatory timetable for the highly anticipated 2027 General Elections.
The schedule outlines critical activities for political parties, voters, and all stakeholders as the nation begins its countdown to another electoral cycle.
This announcement marks the first major step toward the 2027 polls, giving parties ample time to prepare and Nigerians the opportunity to engage early in the democratic process.
THE PROCESS SCHEDULE
Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Begins April 2026
INEC confirmed that the nationwide voter registration exercise will commence April 2026 and run until January 2027.
Activities during this period include:
- Registration of new voters
- Replacement of lost or damaged PVCs
- Transfer of voting locations
Updates for individuals turning 18 years old
This phase is crucial in ensuring every eligible Nigerian has the opportunity to participate in the election.
Political Party Primaries Set for July–September 2026
According to the timetable:
Political parties will conduct all congresses and primaries between July 1 and September 30, 2026.
During this window, parties are expected to:
- Select candidates for all elective positions
- Conduct congresses at ward, LGA, state, and national levels
- Submit the outcomes of primaries to INEC within one week
INEC emphasized adherence to party constitutions and the Electoral Act to avoid legal disputes.
Submission of Candidate Lists Begins October 2026
Political parties will upload the names of candidates and their running mates between October 1 and October 31, 2026 via INEC’s online nomination portal.
Required forms include:
- EC9 for candidates
- EC9B for running mates
Late submission will not be allowed, INEC warned
Publication of Final Candidate List: November 15, 2026
INEC will publish the official list of contenders for:
- Presidential race
- Governorship seats
- National Assembly positions
- State Assembly contests
This publication will confirm the eligible candidates and set the stage for campaign activities.
Election Campaigns to Begin November–December 2026
Campaign activities will begin in two phases:
- Presidential and National Assembly campaigns: November 18, 2026
- Governorship and State Assembly campaigns: December 15, 2026
- All campaigns must end 24 hours before election day in compliance with the law
2027 Election Dates Announced
INEC’s proposed dates for the 2027 elections are as follows:
Presidential & National Assembly Elections: Saturday, February 20, 2027
- Governorship & State Assembly Elections: Saturday, March 6, 2027
These dates align with constitutional requirements regarding the expiration of current elected officials’ tenures.
Other Key Activities Ahead of the 2027 Elections
- Display of Voter Registers: October 2026
- Collection of PVCs: December 2026 – February 2027
- Training of Ad-hoc Staff: December 2026 – February 2027
- Distribution of Election Materials: February – March 2027
INEC reaffirmed the continued use of BVAS technology and combined electronic and physical result transmission to ensure transparency.
