Fatimah Otunsanya
The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned the public to disregard a false article circulating online claiming the Commission has released the timetable for the 2027 General Elections.
In a statement on Tuesday via its official channels, INEC described the information as “not authentic and should be disregarded in its entirety,” stressing that it has not released “any official timetable, schedule of activities, or dates for the 2027 General Elections.”
“Any document or report claiming otherwise is fabricated. The details in the false article—including specific election dates, campaign periods, and party primary windows—are entirely speculative and without any official basis. They do not represent the plans or position of INEC,” the statement added.
The Commission urged Nigerians, political parties, civil society groups, and all stakeholders to rely only on verified INEC channels for official updates, and press statements.
The general public is strongly advised to ignore this misleading report. INEC will make official announcements regarding the 2027 General Elections through the proper channels at the appropriate time,” the statement emphasised.
In a similar clarification on January 3, the Commission had also debunked earlier claims.
The Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, described the report as “false and misleading,” noting that the Commission operates strictly within the law.
He cited Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates INEC to publish a notice of election “not later than 360 days before the date fixed for a general election.”
Meanwhile, INEC has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
Eligible voters are to collect their PVCs at their respective registration areas (wards) from January 22 to January 26, between 9 am and 3 pm daily.
Voters unable to collect their PVCs during this period may do so later at INEC Area Council offices across the FCT.