Nigeria will hold its next presidential election on Feb. 20, 2027, the electoral commission announced Friday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission said National Assembly elections will take place the same day nationwide.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan told reporters the schedule aligns with Nigeria’s established federal election timetable.
Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow on March 6, 2027, in eligible states.
Nigeria traditionally staggers federal and state polls to ease logistics and strengthen security coordination.
The phased approach allows security agencies and election officials to manage vast operations more effectively.
Political parties have begun internal consultations to meet guidelines on primaries, nominations and campaign timelines.
Africa’s most populous nation elects its president for a renewable four-year term under constitutional provisions.
Incumbent President Bola Tinubu is widely expected to seek a second term in office.
The announcement comes as civil society groups intensify calls for sweeping electoral reforms.
Earlier this week, protesters gathered outside the National Assembly in Abuja demanding urgent legislative action.
The demonstrators included youth coalitions, pro-democracy activists and civil society organisations.
They urged lawmakers to amend the Electoral Act to strengthen transparency and accountability.
Placards reading “Protect Our Votes” and “No Democracy Without Reform” cut through the humid Abuja air.
Protesters demanded clearer rules on electronic transmission of results and stricter penalties for offences.
They also called for tighter campaign finance regulations and stronger institutional safeguards for INEC independence.
Nigeria’s 2023 general elections were fiercely contested and marred by technological disputes.
Controversy over electronic result transmission triggered legal challenges at the presidential election tribunal.
As 2027 approaches, the battle for credibility may prove as decisive as the race itself.