‘It’s Fake News’ INEC Refutes Viral Reports of 2027 General Election Timetable, Urges Nigerians to Ignore Mischief-Makers

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved swiftly to douse growing political speculation, stating categorically that it has not yet released a timetable for the 2027 General Elections.

The commission’s reaction follows several viral posts on social media platforms suggesting that specific dates for the presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative polls had been set. In a statement released today, INEC described these reports as a deliberate attempt by unknown elements to mislead the public.

National Commissioner Sam Olumekun cautioned that the publication of election schedules is a formal constitutional process that follows specific administrative protocols. “The commission has not met to discuss, let alone approve, any timetable for the 2027 General Elections,” the statement read. “The document being circulated is the product of imagination and should be disregarded in its entirety.”

According to Olumekun, the commission is currently focused on consolidating its digital reforms and reviewing the performance of the most recent off-cycle elections. He emphasized that the focus for 2026 is on strengthening the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and ensuring the integrity of the voter register through the upcoming registration exercises.

The commission also addressed the “unnecessary heat” that premature election talk creates within the polity. Analysts suggest that the fake timetable was designed to trigger early campaigning, which is currently prohibited under the Electoral Act.

“We urge the media and the public to cross-check information with our official portals. INEC will communicate the 2027 schedule in due course, following established laws and in a transparent manner.” — Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner

As the political atmosphere begins to simmer ahead of the next major cycle, INEC’s firm denial serves as a reminder of the strict regulations governing the electoral process. For now, the commission remains in “preparatory mode,” focusing on institutional reforms rather than election dates.