The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied changing the timetable for the 2027 general elections, dismissing a new schedule circulating on social media as fake.
The disputed graphic claimed that the commission had adjusted some of the campaign deadlines earlier announced for the elections.
It indicated that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections would end on January 15, 2027, instead of January 14, while campaigns for the governorship and state House of Assembly polls would close on February 5 rather than February 4.
However, the presidential and National Assembly elections remained fixed for January 16, while the governorship and state assembly polls were retained for February 6.
Responding to the controversy on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the viral timetable did not originate from the commission.
“This graphic did not emanate from INEC. The commission does not issue campaign timetables separately,” Oketola said.
He explained that all campaign dates and other electoral activities were already contained in the revised timetable released by INEC on February 26, 2026.
Oketola also urged journalists, political parties and members of the public to confirm election-related information through INEC’s official communication platforms.
“As we enter the election season, we must all remain vigilant against the spread of misinformation and disinformation,” he added.
Under the authentic timetable, campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, and end on January 14, 2027.
Campaigns for the governorship and state House of Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026, and close on February 4, 2027.
INEC maintained that the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6.
