INEC disowns fake 2027 general election timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned Nigerians against a false report circulating online which claims that the Commission has released the timetable for the 2027 General Elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday through its official platforms, INEC described the report as fake, stressing that no timetable or schedule of activities has been released for the 2027 polls.

The Commission said, “The information is not authentic and should be completely disregarded. INEC has not issued any official timetable, schedule of activities, or dates for the 2027 General Elections.”

INEC further explained that all the details contained in the circulating document — including proposed election dates, campaign timelines, and party primary periods — are entirely fabricated and have no connection to the Commission’s plans.

“These claims are speculative and do not reflect the position or intentions of INEC in any way,” the statement added.

The electoral body urged Nigerians, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to rely solely on its verified communication channels for accurate information. These include its official website, verified social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram (@inecnigeria), as well as authorised press statements.

INEC emphasised that any official announcement concerning the 2027 General Elections would be made through the appropriate channels at the right time.

The Commission recalled that it had issued a similar clarification on January 3, debunking earlier misleading reports on the same issue.

Reacting to the false 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 in line with 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, INEC has begun the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the Commission, eligible voters can collect their PVCs at their respective registration areas (wards) from January 22 to January 26, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Those unable to collect their PVCs within the stipulated period will have another opportunity to do so later at INEC Area Council offices across the FCT.