By Dalena Reporters l January 2, 2026
ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has publicly denied reports circulating on social media and messaging platforms alleging that it had released an official timetable for the 2027 general elections, warning that the information is false, misleading and unauthorised. The denial was issued in an official statement on Friday, January 2, 2026, as contestation over election preparations intensifies nationwide.
In the statement, INEC emphasised that no schedule or timetable has yet been formally published for the 2027 elections — a sequence that will include the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly polls. The commission described the purported timetable shared online as an “unauthorised document” and cautioned the public against its use for planning or decision-making.
INEC’s clarification echoes earlier guidance from its leadership that official election timetables will be made public in due course, following internal consultations and statutory processes under the Electoral Act 2022. These processes include logistical planning, security engagements, stakeholder consultations and publication in official gazettes once the commission finalises pertinent details.
The online document in question which circulated widely across WhatsApp, Telegram and social media feeds appeared to list dates for key pre-election activities including party primaries, voter registration deadlines, nomination windows and election days, but INEC categorically stated that none of those timelines are official or endorsed by the commission.
INEC’s statement urged Nigerians to rely only on announcements from official INEC channels, including its verified website, official social media accounts and public communiqués issued under the commission’s seal. It also called on political parties, civil society groups and media outlets to help counter the spread of misinformation that could skew electoral expectations or fuel confusion.
The clarification comes as anticipation builds around the 2027 general elections, which are expected to be among the most closely watched in Nigeria’s democratic history, with heightened interest in national leadership transitions, governance performance and policy direction ahead of the polls. In recent years, speculation over electoral dates and the timing of primaries has spiked amid political contestation, making accurate and timely information critical to public confidence in the electoral process.
Analysts say false timetables and speculative election calendars can mislead stakeholders, distort planning and exacerbate tensions, particularly in a highly competitive political environment. INEC’s latest denial reinforces its position that official releases will be forthcoming through recognised institutional mechanisms.