The Independent National Electoral Commission has firmly rejected a viral graphic circulating on social media that alleged the commission revised the campaign timetable for the 2027 general election. Describing the document as completely false, INEC urged Nigerians to disregard it and rely solely on official communications.
INEC Clarifies: No Separate Campaign Timetable Issued
Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, told TheCable that the graphic 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 are already contained within the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, which was released on February 26, 2026.
The viral graphic had claimed that INEC adjusted the official campaign timetable in line with the Electoral Act. It stated that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections would end on January 15, 2027, instead of January 14, while governorship and state House of Assembly campaigns would close on February 5 instead of February 4. Both alterations would have shifted the end of campaigns by one day.
Official 2027 Election Timetable Remains Unchanged
Under the official schedule released by INEC, the presidential and National Assembly elections are fixed for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly polls are set for February 6, 2027. Political parties are expected to begin campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections on August 19, 2026. Campaigns for governorship and state Assembly elections are due to commence on September 9, 2026.
The timetable also specifies that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will end on January 14, 2027, while governorship and state Assembly campaigns will conclude on February 4, 2027. Both deadlines fall 24 hours before election day, in line with the Electoral Act. INEC emphasised that these dates remain unchanged and that no separate campaign schedule has been issued.
INEC Warns Against Misinformation Ahead of Elections
The commission called on journalists, political stakeholders, and the public to verify electoral information before sharing it, warning that false claims could mislead voters during the election period. “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 added.
With preparations for the 2027 general election already underway, INEC reiterated that its revised timetable remains the sole authoritative source for campaign and election dates. The commission urged Nigerians to rely only on information published through its official channels as political activities gather momentum ahead of the polls.
Kidnapping of INEC Worker in Anambra State
In a separate incident highlighting security challenges, armed men kidnapped an INEC worker in Anambra State and demanded a N40 million ransom. The abduction occurred along the Ebenebe axis in Awka North Local Government Area on July 24, 2025, just hours after gunmen shot and wounded a businessman on the same road. Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported both incidents. The kidnapping underscores the volatile environment in which electoral officials sometimes operate, though INEC has not linked this event to the timetable misinformation.
