The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally released the the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, setting February 20, 2027, as date for the Presidential and National Assembly polls.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the Commission, Presidential & National Assembly Elections will hold on February 20, 2027, Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections – March 6, 2027

The elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States)

Prof. Amupitan emphasized that the release of the Notice complies strictly with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication not later than 360 days before the election date.

The INEC Chairman addressed recent speculation surrounding election dates, noting that some individuals had attempted to preempt the Commission by circulating unofficial schedules.

“For some time now, this has been a subject of speculation,” he said, adding that such actions were misleading and orchestrated by detractors. He reaffirmed that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.

INEC is closely monitoring ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently before the National Assembly. While welcoming reforms that could strengthen the electoral framework, the Commission stressed its obligation to operate within the existing law until any amendments are duly enacted.

“The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately,” Prof. Amupitan noted.

Under the approved timetable, Political party primaries must hold within the statutory period. Submission of nomination forms must comply strictly with the designated window.

Campaigns will commence as provided by law and end 24 hours before Election Day.

The Chairman warned that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines.

Reaffirming INEC’s independence and neutrality, Prof. Amupitan outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls, including, expanded deployment of technology to enhance transparency, Continuous cleaning and updating of the National Register of Voters; Strengthened collaboration with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections and  Increased voter education and stakeholder engagement.

He urged political parties to conduct peaceful primaries, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy, while appealing to citizens to maintain peace throughout the electoral cycle.

Describing the 2027 General Elections as a collective national responsibility, the INEC Chairman called on government institutions, the media, security agencies, civil society groups, and Nigerians at large to play their roles in safeguarding the integrity of the process.

“As we commence this important national exercise, I assure Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he declared.

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“Every child is a promise, and paediatrics is the art of keeping that promise alive.” — Prof. Ikenna Kingsley Ndu

By Amaechi Agbo

Born on the year Nigeria-Biafra Civil War ceased, the life of Professor Ikenna Kingsley Ndu has been remarkable particularly in shaping life, new-borns and humanity.

On 29^th May, 2025, this erudite scholar will mount the ESUT College of Medicine Auditorium to deliver the university’s 47^th Inaugural Lecture. A role model, humble and unpretentious, Prof Ndu will be dissecting the topic: “From Cradle To Crisis: Advancing Paediatric Survival In Our Challenged Healthcare Landscape”

Professor Ndu has devoted his career to paediatrics, rising through the academic and clinical ranks. He is currently serves as Professor of Paediatrics at the Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT) and Consultant Paediatrician at ESUT Teaching Hospital, a position he has held since 2013.

His clinical experience spans several institutions, including the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, where he trained as a resident doctor from 2005 to 2012. He also held various medical officer positions in Abuja between 1996 and 2001, including stints at the State House Clinic, Abuja (NYSC), INEC Headquarters, the Raw Materials Research and Development Centre, and the National Hospital.

A seasoned academic and researcher, Professor Ndu has contributed significantly to the field of paediatrics through scholarly publications, mentorship, and conference presentations. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles and authored or co-authored several books. His research impact is reflected in his Google Scholar metrics: 1,741 citations, an h-index of 23, and an i10-index of 37. He has supervised three fellowship dissertations and served as an external examiner at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

 In 2022, he delivered the Guest Lecture at the 11th ESUCOM Induction Ceremony and currently serves as Editor and Adviser to the Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Practice.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Professor Ndu has been actively involved in university administration. He is currently the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Medicine and previously served as Acting Head of the Department of Paediatrics (2020–2022). In 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the Health Research Ethics Committee at ESUT Teaching Hospital.

Professor Ndu’s expertise has also informed national health policy and training. He has served as a National Trainer for various Federal Ministry of Health programmes, including Paediatric HIV/AIDS training, the Essential Newborn Care Course, and the Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis in Children in Nigeria.

He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN)—where he served as Secretary of the Sub-Committee on Emergency Paediatrics from 2018 to 2023—the Society of Emergency Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine, and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom.

Professor Ndu’s distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to paediatric health, academic excellence, ethical leadership, and national service.

The 47^th Inaugural Lecturer will bring to the fore, his year’s of service, teaching, mentoring, moulding on Thursday, May 29^th when he is going to share his rich experience with the university community and the larger society during the lecture.

It is important to note that while Professor Ikenna Kingsley Ndu is the 47^th Lecturer in ESUT, he will be the 5^th Inaugural Lecturer in the College.

The Lecture will hold at the ESUT College of Medicine, ESUCOM Auditorium, Parklane, Enugu staring by 11am.

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