INEC Dismisses Reports of Revised 2027 Campaign Timetable
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that it has revised the campaign timetable for the 2027 general elections, describing the information as false and misleading.
The commission was reacting to a viral graphic alleging that it had released an updated campaign schedule in line with the Electoral Act. The graphic claimed that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections would now end on January 15, 2027, instead of January 14, while governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns would close on February 5, 2027, rather than February 4.
The misleading graphic, however, retained January 16, 2027, as the date for the presidential and National Assembly elections and February 6, 2027, for the governorship and State House of Assembly polls.
Reacting to the development on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the commission had not issued any separate campaign timetable, stressing that the viral graphic did not originate from INEC.
According to Oketola, all official campaign timelines are contained in the commission’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, which was released on February 26, 2026.
“This graphic did not emanate from INEC. The commission does not issue campaign timetables separately. 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,” he said.
He urged journalists and members of the public to verify all electoral information through the commission’s official communication channels, warning against the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
“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.
INEC recalled that under the revised timetable released on February 26, 2026, the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
The commission also stated that the notice of election was issued on February 13, 2026. Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
According to the timetable, campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will end on January 14, 2027, while those for governorship and State House of Assembly elections will conclude on February 4, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the respective polls.