Civil society organisations (CSOs) have welcomed the release of the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pledging to closely monitor every milestone in the electoral calendar to ensure transparency and credibility.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the organisations said INEC’s announcement on February 13, 2026 formally signals Nigeria’s entry into the electoral season for what they described as one of the most consequential elections in the country’s democratic history.

According to the timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, March 6, 2027.

The CSOs noted that in recent weeks they had raised concerns over delays in concluding amendments to the electoral law and the implications for the timely release of the election timetable.

They recalled that Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates INEC to issue a notice of election not later than 360 days before the date fixed for an election.

They therefore commended the commission for complying with the law and releasing the timetable without further delay, stressing that early publication of the election calendar is crucial for political parties, electoral stakeholders, security agencies and citizens to prepare adequately for credible polls.

“The announcement provides the clarity and certainty needed to commence preparations in earnest,” the statement said.

However, the organisations warned that the release of the timetable is only the first step in a long electoral process, adding that the credibility of the 2027 elections will depend on full implementation of the Electoral Act, INEC’s regulations and guidelines, clear rules on electronic transmission and collation of results, transparency in procurement and logistics, and effective coordination with security agencies to ensure a safe electoral environment.

The CSOs also called on political parties to uphold internal democracy during primaries, comply with campaign finance regulations, promote issue-based campaigns and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric capable of heightening political tensions.

On the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, the groups urged the National Assembly to ensure that the final version does not undermine the certainty already created by the election timetable. They specifically called on the conference committee to retain provisions of the House of Representatives on electronic transmission of results, downloadable voter cards and fixed timelines for key electoral activities.

“As civil society organisations committed to democratic consolidation, we will closely monitor each milestone in the electoral calendar and provide periodic public assessments of compliance, transparency and preparedness,” the statement said.

The statement was jointly signed by the Centre for Media and Society, The Kukah Center, International Press Centre, Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa and Yiaga Africa. (Daily Trust)