INEC rejects fake 2027 timetable reports, confirming that campaign dates for Nigeria’s general elections remain as published in its official schedule
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports circulating online claiming that it released a revised campaign timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, describing the widely shared document as false.
Also read: INEC Extends Osun 2026 PVC Collection Deadline
The commission said the viral graphic, which contained altered campaign deadlines for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state House of Assembly elections, did not originate from INEC.
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, told PUNCH Online on Wednesday that the electoral body had not issued any separate campaign timetable apart from the official schedule already released.
“This graphic did not emanate from INEC. The commission does not issue campaign timetables separately,” Oketola said.
“All official campaign timelines are already contained within the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, which was released on February 26, 2026.”
The clarification followed the circulation of a document online claiming that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections would end on January 15, 2027, instead of the official date of January 14, 2027.
The fake timetable also claimed that campaigns for governorship and state House of Assembly elections would end on February 5, 2027, rather than the approved deadline of February 4, 2027.
According to the official INEC schedule, the presidential and National Assembly elections are fixed for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
INEC urged Nigerians and media organisations to rely only on verified information from its official communication platforms, warning against the spread of misinformation as political activities ahead of the elections increase.
“We advise the media and the public to always verify electoral information through our official channels. As we enter the election season, we must all remain vigilant against the spread of misinformation and disinformation,” Oketola said.
The electoral body’s approved timetable states that campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
The campaigns will end 24 hours before the respective election dates, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Under the current schedule, presidential and National Assembly campaigns will close on January 14, 2027, while governorship and state Assembly campaigns will end on February 4, 2027.
INEC’s warning comes as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, with political parties expected to intensify mobilisation efforts and public communication.
Also read: INEC Extends Osun 2026 PVC Collection Deadline
The commission has repeatedly advised citizens to confirm election-related information through official channels to avoid confusion caused by inaccurate online claims.
