The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports that it released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, describing such claims as false and misleading.
In a statement signed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, the Commission said it had not published any timetable or schedule for the 2027 polls. The statement, issued on Friday, emphasised that any timetable circulating outside the statutory framework could not have originated from INEC.
INEC 2027 timetable
INEC referenced Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires the Commission to publish a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for a general election. The Commission said it operates strictly within the provisions of the law and that any timetable or schedule issued outside this framework is not authoritative.
The Commission assured Nigerians that the official timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election will be released in due course in full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2022. Once released, the timetable will be communicated through INEC’s established and verified channels.
INEC’s clarification aims to stem confusion among voters, political parties and the media after reports circulated in some quarters suggesting the Commission had already published a schedule. By refuting the claims early, the electoral body sought to prevent misinformation from shaping public expectations and to reinforce confidence in the legal timetable for electoral preparations.
Electoral timetables set out critical dates for activities such as party primaries, nomination of candidates, voter registration deadlines and campaign periods. The Commission’s reference to the 360-day rule provides a clear legal benchmark for when Nigerians can expect an official notice. Until that notice is published, any other calendar should be treated as unofficial.
INEC urged the public and the media to rely only on information issued through its verified platforms. These include the Commission’s official website, accredited social media accounts and formal press releases. The electoral body warned that acting on unverified timetables could disrupt preparations and mislead stakeholders.
Political parties and civic organisations welcomed the clarification. Several groups noted that premature or fabricated schedules can fuel speculation and complicate the logistics of registration, campaigning and voter education. Observers also pointed to the wider challenge of misinformation in the run-up to major elections and the need for accurate, timely communication from official institutions.
By reiterating its commitment to the law and to transparent communication, INEC aims to maintain a predictable timetable for electoral planning. The Commission’s statement serves as a reminder that the integrity of the electoral process depends not only on legal safeguards but also on the information environment in which voters and stakeholders operate.
For authoritative updates on the 2027 election timetable, INEC advised members of the public to consult the Commission’s official channels and to treat other sources with caution until a formal Notice of Election is published.
Key Takeaways:
- INEC has denied releasing any official timetable for the 2027 general election, calling circulating reports false and misleading.
- The Commission reiterates Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 requires a Notice of Election be published not later than 360 days before a general election.
- INEC urged the public and media to rely on its verified channels for the official timetable once released.
