INEC debunks viral 2027 campaign timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disowned a campaign timetable for the 2027 general elections circulating on social media, describing it as fake and urging Nigerians to rely only on information published through its official channels.

The clarification followed the circulation of a graphic claiming the electoral umpire had revised the campaign schedule for the 2027 elections in line with the Electoral Act.

The viral graphic alleged that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections would now end on January 15, 2027, instead of January 14, while governorship and state House of Assembly campaigns would close on February 5, 2027, rather than February 4.

It, however, retained January 16, 2027, as the date for the presidential and National Assembly elections and February 6, 2027, for the governorship and state assembly polls.

Reacting to the claim, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, dismissed the graphic, saying it was not issued by the commission.

“This graphic did not emanate from INEC. The commission does not release campaign timetables separately,” he told PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

Oketola explained that all campaign timelines are contained in the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections released by the commission on February 26, 2026.

He urged journalists, political stakeholders and members of the public to verify election-related information through INEC’s official communication platforms to avoid being misled by false reports.

“As we move closer to the election season, everyone must remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation,” he said.

Under the official timetable, INEC will issue the notice of election on February 13, 2026.

Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state House of Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.

The commission’s timetable also provides that presidential and National Assembly campaigns will end on January 14, 2027, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will close on February 4, 2027, 24 hours before the respective polls.

The presidential and National Assembly elections remain scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027.