INEC Raises Alarm Over Fake 2027 Election Campaign Timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims that it revised the campaign timetable for the 2027 general election, describing a graphic circulating on social media as false and misleading.

According to Ireporter Online, the electoral body clarified that the viral graphic, which purported to announce new campaign closing dates for the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections, did not originate from the commission.

The misleading document claimed that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections would end on January 15, 2027, while governorship and state assembly campaigns would close on February 5, 2027, dates that differ from those contained in INEC’s officially approved timetable.

Reacting to the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, stated that the commission had not released any separate campaign timetable, explaining that all official campaign dates are already included in the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election issued on February 26, 2026.

Oketola stressed that the circulating graphic was not produced by INEC and urged Nigerians, political stakeholders and media organisations to rely solely on the commission’s official communication channels for accurate election-related information.

He also warned that as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the public should remain vigilant against the spread of misinformation and disinformation capable of misleading voters and creating confusion.

INEC reiterated that, in line with its revised timetable, campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly campaigns are scheduled to begin on September 9, 2026.

The commission further confirmed that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will officially end on January 14, 2027, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will conclude on February 4, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the respective elections.

INEC also reaffirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections remain scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.