The Independent National Electoral Commission has cautioned Nigerians against a fabricated timetable for the 2027 General Elections currently circulating online, describing the document as false and misleading.
In a statement released on Tuesday through its official communication channels, the Commission said it had not issued any timetable, schedule of activities or election dates for the 2027 polls.
“The information being circulated is not authentic and should be disregarded in its entirety,” INEC stated.
“The Commission has not released any official timetable, schedule of activities, or dates for the 2027 General Elections.”
INEC stressed that all details contained in the viral document, including proposed election dates, campaign timelines and party primary periods, were entirely fictitious.
“Any document or report claiming otherwise is fabricated. The details being shared are speculative and have no official basis. They do not reflect the plans or position of the Commission,” the statement added.
The electoral body urged political parties, civil society organisations and the general public to rely only on verified INEC platforms for accurate information, including its official website, verified social media accounts and formal press releases.
“The public is strongly advised to ignore this misleading report. INEC will make official announcements regarding the 2027 General Elections through appropriate channels at the right time,” the Commission said.
INEC also recalled that it had issued a similar clarification earlier in January to debunk claims related to the election timetable.
Speaking on the matter, 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 provisions of the law.
He referenced Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires INEC to publish a notice of election not later than 360 days before the date fixed for a general election.
Meanwhile, the Commission announced that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has commenced ahead of the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to INEC, eligible voters can collect their PVCs at their respective registration areas from January 22 to January 26, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. Those unable to collect within the period may do so later at INEC Area Council offices across the FCT.
