INEC Denies Circulating 2027 Election Timetable, Urges Public to Disregard False Report

The Independent National Electoral Commission has disowned a false online report claiming it has released the timetable for the 2027 General Elections, describing the publication as entirely fabricated.

In a statement issued on Tuesday through its official channels, INEC clarified that it has not released any official schedule, timetable, or dates for the 2027 polls.

“The document in circulation is not authentic and should be disregarded in its entirety,” the Commission stated. “Any details within it—including election dates, campaign periods, or timelines for party primaries—are speculative and without any official basis.”

INEC urged the public, political parties, civil society, and all stakeholders to rely only on verified INEC platforms for accurate information. These include its official website and authenticated social media handles on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Commission reiterated that it will make formal announcements regarding the 2027 elections through appropriate channels and at the proper time, in accordance with electoral laws.

This clarification follows a similar denial issued earlier in January. The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, had previously noted that the Commission operates within the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the official notice of election to be published not later than 360 days before the election date.

In a related update, INEC has begun the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards in preparation for the upcoming Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory. Collection is scheduled at ward levels from January 22 to 26, with further arrangements available afterward at Area Council offices.