INEC SAYS 2027 ELECTION TIMETABLE READY RELEASE

INEC SAYS 2027 ELECTION TIMETABLE READY RELEASE DELAYED BY ELECTORAL ACT AMENDMENTS
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it has completed the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, but said its official public release is being held up by delays in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act by the National Assembly (NASS)
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja, emphasising that the commission had prepared the election calendar in line with legal requirements but is awaiting clarity from the legislature before making it available to political parties and the public.
Amupitan told civil society organisations (CSOs) that while INEC had submitted its inputs and recommendations to lawmakers, further delays in concluding the Electoral Act amendment process are affecting the timing of the timetable’s release.
Under Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, INEC is empowered to issue a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before a poll a requirement the commission says it has fulfilled internally.
However, because the National Assembly is amending key provisions of the Electoral Act, INEC is cautious about formally publishing the timetable until the updated law is signed and in force, fearing legal or procedural misalignment. Amupitan noted that parts of the schedule might need adjustment depending on when the amended Electoral Act is concluded, adding that INEC must continue preparations using the current legal framework to avoid falling behind.
The INEC chairman also raised concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s national voters’ register, highlighting persistent anomalies that include:
Duplicate registrations
Under‑age registration
Non‑citizens on the register
Deceased persons still listed
Amupitan said such irregularities damage public trust and announced that the commission will undertake a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise ahead of the 2027 polls to “sanitize and strengthen” the register’s credibility.
This step is aimed at eliminating “ghost voters” and reinforcing confidence in the electoral process.
Amupitan also touched on preparations for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, reporting that: Non‑sensitive materials have been delivered.
Ad‑hoc staff have been recruited and trained.
Sensitive materials will be dispatched a day before the polls.
A mock BVAS accreditation exercise will be held on February 7, 2026.
INEC has also accredited 83 domestic and five foreign observers for the FCT election, with candidate campaigns slated to conclude on February 19, 2026. Amupitan further disclosed plans for bye‑elections in parts of Rivers and Kano States due to legislative vacancies, and reminded stakeholders that governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are already on the electoral calendar for June 20 and August 8, 2026, respectively. Amupitan appealed to civil society groups, political parties, and stakeholders to support efforts urging the National Assembly to expedite the Electoral Act amendment process so that INEC can release the finalized timetable without legal uncertainty. He underscored that while the commission remains fully committed to delivering credible and timely elections, clarity on the legal framework is essential for certain preparatory activities.