Nigeria’s electoral umpire has moved to debunk reports that it has released the official schedule for the country’s next general election, calling the information “false and misleading.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued the clarification on Friday after unofficial timetables began circulating on social media.
The Commission reminded the public that the law dictates exactly when such a schedule can be announced, and that any documents currently in circulation are not authentic.
Strict legal framework
In a statement signed by Adedayo Oketola, Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, the commission emphasized that it operates strictly under the Electoral Act 2022.
Key legal points raised by the commission include:
- Statutory Notice: Under Section 28(1) of the Act, INEC is only required to publish a Notice of Election 360 days before the appointed date.
- Official Channels: Any schedule issued outside of this legal framework “cannot emanate from INEC.”
- Constitutionality: The commission assured Nigerians that the true timetable will be released in “due course” and in full compliance with the 1999 Constitution.
A call for caution
INEC urged both the media and the public to disregard the unverified reports, which have surfaced as political maneuvering for the 2027 cycle begins to intensify.
The Commission stressed the importance of relying solely on its official platforms for authoritative updates to avoid being misled by “fake reports.”
The announcement comes just a day after the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, used his New Year message to call for a “season of renewal” within the agency as it prepares for several significant regional elections throughout 2026.
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