The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded preparations for the timetable of the 2027 general election but is holding back its public release pending amendments to the Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday during his first regular consultative meeting of the year with civil society organisations (CSOs) in Abuja. He urged lawmakers to fast-track the amendment process, stressing that delays could affect the timely release of the election timetable.
According to Amupitan, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 empowers the commission to issue a notice of election not later than 360 days before polling day. He noted that while the National Assembly is working on amendments to the Act, INEC has already made the necessary submissions.
“We are mindful of the growing public interest and anticipation surrounding the release of the timetable,” he said. “We wish to assure the media, political parties and the Nigerian public that the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election have been finalised in full compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022. We seek your support in urging the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing amendments.”
The INEC chairman also provided updates on the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026. He said the exercise would involve 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units in the six Area Councils—Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
A total of 570 candidates will contest elections in 68 constituencies for the positions of chairmen, vice-chairmen and councillors. Five Area Councils have 10 wards each, while AMAC has 12 wards.
Amupitan noted that the election timetable, released on January 23, 2025, contains 13 key activities, 10 of which have already been completed. The remaining activities include the publication of the notice of poll, the last day of campaigns and election day. He reminded political parties that campaigns will end on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
On bye-elections, Amupitan announced that INEC will conduct polls on February 21, 2026, in Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State, following the resignation and death of the elected representatives respectively.
In Ahoada East II, 41,085 registered voters will vote in 87 polling units across six wards, while Khana II will have 71,865 voters across 155 polling units in eight wards.
He added that bye-elections would also hold on the same day in Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies of Kano State due to the death of serving members. Kano Municipal has 330,228 registered voters across 630 polling units in 13 wards, while Ungogo has 205,418 voters across 384 polling units in 11 wards. Ten political parties are participating in both elections.
Amupitan further disclosed that the Ekiti State governorship election has been scheduled for June 20, 2026, following the commission’s compliance with Sections 28(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act. The election will take place across 2,445 polling units in the state’s 16 local government areas. He added that preparations for the Osun State governorship election are also ongoing.
On voter registration, the INEC chairman said the commission is cleaning up the national voters’ register to remove deceased persons, duplicate entries and other anomalies. He announced plans to commence a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general election.
“As of the 2023 general election, the register stood at 93,469,008 voters,” he said. “However, challenges such as duplicate registrations, non-citizen registrations and inaccurate records continue to undermine public confidence. A credible voters’ register remains the bedrock of free, fair and transparent elections.”
On political party registration, Amupitan revealed that INEC received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration. He said the applications were assessed in line with constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and the commission’s guidelines.
“Several associations failed to meet the requirements,” he said, adding that successful associations would be announced soon.
“As we look towards the 2027 general elections, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. Preparing for a seamless electoral process is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of all stakeholders to democracy, justice and inclusivity.”
