By Philomina Brando
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a comprehensive timetable for the 2027 General Elections, detailing key timelines for voter registration, party primaries, candidate submissions, campaigns and election days.
The timetable, unveiled in November 2025, provides an early roadmap for political parties, voters and other electoral stakeholders ahead of the polls, which will mark another critical transition in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to INEC, nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will commence in April 2026 and run until January 2027. During the period, eligible Nigerians will be able to register as new voters, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), transfer voting locations and update personal details. The commission said the exercise is particularly targeted at young Nigerians who will attain the age of 18 before the elections.
Political parties are expected to conduct their congresses and primaries between July 1 and September 30, 2026. Within the three-month window, parties seeking to contest the elections must select candidates for all elective offices at the ward, local government, state and national levels.
INEC stressed that parties must strictly adhere to their constitutions and the provisions of the Electoral Act in conducting primaries to avoid post-primary litigations. The outcomes of the primaries are to be submitted to the commission within one week.
Submission of candidates’ names will take place from October 1 to October 31, 2026, through INEC’s online nomination portal. Parties are required to upload Form EC9 for candidates and Form EC9B for running mates, with the commission warning that late submissions will not be accepted.
The final list of candidates for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly elections will be published on November 15, 2026. This publication will formally signal the commencement of nationwide electioneering campaigns.
Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on November 18, 2026, while governorship and State Assembly campaigns will start on December 15, 2026. INEC reiterated that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, in line with electoral law.
The commission fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Assembly polls will hold on Saturday, March 6, 2027. INEC said the dates align with constitutional provisions governing the expiration of current tenures.
Other preparatory activities outlined in the timetable include the nationwide display of the voter register in October 2026, PVC collection between December 2026 and February 2027, and the training of ad-hoc staff within the same period. Distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials will take place from February to March 2027.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections, stating that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be retained, alongside a blend of electronic and manual transmission of results, to enhance transparency and public confidence in the 2027 polls.