The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded the timetable for the 2027 general election, though it appears the commission may be awaiting the passage of Electoral Act amendments by the National Assembly before making it public.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, hinted at this during his first regular consultative meeting of the year with civil society organisations in Abuja. He urged lawmakers to expedite the amendments, noting that the commission had already submitted its inputs in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which empowers INEC to issue a notice of election not later than 360 days before the poll.
Amupitan provided details of preparations for the FCT Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026. The poll will involve 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units in the six Area Councils: Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. A total of 570 candidates are contesting 68 constituencies for chairman and vice-chairman positions, along with 62 councilor seats. Ten of the 13 key activities outlined in the election timetable have already been completed, with remaining tasks including the publication of the notice of poll, the final day of campaigns, and election day itself. Campaigns will end on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The commission will also conduct bye-elections on the same day in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies of Rivers State due to resignation and death of elected members, as well as in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies of Kano State following the deaths of two serving lawmakers. In Rivers State, 41,085 voters in Ahoada East II and 71,865 voters in Khana II will participate, while in Kano, 330,228 voters in Kano Municipal and 205,418 voters in Ungogo will cast their ballots. Ten political parties are participating in the bye-elections.
Regarding the 2026 governorship elections, Amupitan confirmed that Ekiti State’s poll will hold on June 20 across 2,445 polling units in 16 local government areas, while preparations for the Osun State governorship election are ongoing.
Amupitan also highlighted ongoing efforts to clean up the national voters’ register, aiming to remove deceased individuals, double registrations, and non-citizens. He said, “A credible register of voters remains the bedrock of free, fair and transparent elections… persistent challenges — including duplicate registrations, registration by non-citizens, deceased voters and incomplete or inaccurate records — continue to generate legitimate concerns.” A nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise is planned ahead of the 2027 general election to strengthen the integrity of the register.
On political party registration, INEC received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking recognition. Each association was assessed against constitutional and legal requirements, with successful candidates to be announced soon.
Amupitan concluded by stressing the need for vigilance and proactive preparation, urging all stakeholders to contribute to a seamless, inclusive, and credible electoral process that upholds the ideals of democracy, justice, and accountability.
