By Damilola Samuel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned Nigerians against a fake announcement circulating online about governorship candidates in Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a notice issued on Monday and shared through its official social media platforms, the commission said the publication did not originate from it and urged the public to disregard the information.
“The Commission wishes to categorically inform the general public that the publication is FAKE and did not originate from INEC,” the notice stated.
INEC advised Nigerians to verify election-related information through its recognised channels rather than circulate unconfirmed announcements.
The commission identified its website as inecnigeria.org and listed its official social media accounts as @inecnigeria on X and Instagram, and INEC Nigeria on Facebook. It also directed the public to inecnews.com for official updates.
For enquiries and verification, INEC provided its call centre number, 0700-2255-4632, short code 4632, and telephone numbers 090844444333 and 09050858629. Members of the public can also send enquiries to iccc@inec.gov.ng.
The warning follows the commission’s publication of the final lists of candidates for the governorship elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Reports after the publication indicated that some anticipated candidates, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates Ladi Adebutu in Ogun State and Isa Pantami in Gombe State, were absent from the lists. The published documents reportedly did not explain the omissions.
However, INEC’s latest notice specifically addressed the purported special announcement on candidates in the six states, which it disowned.
The commission urged Nigerians to rely on its official communication channels for accurate information on candidates and electoral activities as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
