CSOs to Monitor 2027 Elections Calendar in Nigeria

Civil society organizations (CSOs) issued a joint statement on Thursday, emphasizing their commitment to monitor each milestone in the electoral calendar for the 2027 elections in Nigeria. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the formal signal for Nigeria's entry into the electoral season will occur on February 13, 2026.

The presidential and national assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state house assembly elections will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2027. The CSOs raised concerns regarding delays in amending the electoral law, which could affect the timely release of the election timetable.

They highlighted that Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates INEC to issue election notices no later than 360 days before the election date. The organizations stressed the need for a clear electoral calendar to allow political parties, electoral stakeholders, security agencies, and citizens to prepare adequately for credible polls.

They also called on political parties to uphold democratic principles during primaries and comply with campaign finance regulations.