The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that it has released a timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Commission described the reports as false, misleading, and not originating from INEC.
“INEC has not released any timetable or schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election,” the statement said.
The Commission explained that it operates strictly within the confines of the law, particularly Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates that a notice of election must be published not later than 360 days before the date appointed for a general election. INEC stressed that any timetable or schedule issued outside this legal window cannot be attributed to the Commission.
INEC assured Nigerians that the official timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election would be released at the appropriate time and in full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2022. The Commission added that once released, the information would be made public through its recognised and verified communication channels.
The electoral body also called on the public and the media to disregard the fake reports and rely solely on information disseminated via INEC’s official platforms for accurate and authoritative updates.
In a New Year message delivered on Friday, Prof. Amupitan reiterated the Commission’s commitment to conducting transparent, credible, and inclusive elections in 2027. He disclosed that preparatory efforts were already underway to further strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
He described the new year as a period of renewal and a critical stage for reinforcing institutional frameworks ahead of the next general elections.
Reflecting on INEC’s activities in 2025, the Commission’s leadership commended staff for their dedication and professionalism, citing the successful conduct of the Anambra State governorship election, which was held shortly after the Chairman assumed office on October 23. According to him, the exercise demonstrated that with discipline, unity, and professionalism, INEC remains capable of protecting the sanctity of the vote and deepening public confidence in the electoral process.
What you should know
INEC has not announced any official timetable for the 2027 General Election, despite claims circulating online and in some media reports.
By law, the Commission can only publish an election notice within 360 days to the poll date, making any earlier timetable invalid. INEC says Nigerians should rely exclusively on its verified communication channels to avoid misinformation.
As preparations quietly continue, the Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections, building on recent experiences such as the Anambra governorship poll, which it says reflects its capacity to deliver transparent and trustworthy electoral processes.
