INEC Dismisses Viral Claims of Changes to 2027 Campaign Timetable

By Opeyemi Adelakun

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that it had revised the campaign timetable for the 2027 general elections, describing the viral graphic as fake and urging Nigerians to disregard it.

The commission clarified that it had not released any separate campaign timetable or altered the dates contained in its official revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, who reacted to the development on Wednesday, said the commission does not issue campaign timetables separately, stressing that the document circulating online did not originate from INEC.

 “This graphic did not emanate from INEC. The commission does not issue campaign timetables separately,” Oketola said.

He explained that all campaign timelines are already captured in the commission’s revised timetable and schedule of activities released on February 26, 2026.

 “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 added.

The fake graphic had claimed that INEC shifted the deadline for presidential and National Assembly campaigns from January 14 to January 15, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly campaigns would end on February 5 instead of February 4, even though it retained the previously announced election dates.

Oketola urged journalists and members of the public to verify electoral information through the commission’s official communication channels, warning that misinformation and disinformation could undermine public confidence as preparations for the 2027 polls 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,” he said.

Under INEC’s official timetable, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027. Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, and end on January 14, 2027, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will run from September 9, 2026, to February 4, 2027.

The clarification comes after the Court of Appeal restored INEC’s revised timetable and guidelines for the 2027 general elections, affirming that the commission acted within its statutory powers in issuing the electoral schedule. The appellate court held that the revised timetable has the force of law and remains valid for the conduct of the 2027 polls.