By Our Reporter
ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged Nigerians to disregard a viral “timetable” for the 2027 General Elections currently circulating on social media, describing the document as fake and unauthorized.
The viral post, which claimed the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, has been labeled a fabrication by commission officials. While the dates align with the traditional four-year cycle, INEC maintains that no official schedule has been gazetted or presented to the public.
The Legislative Stumbling Block
Speaking on the development, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, clarified that while the Commission has internally finalized its strategic roadmap, the official release is being held back by the National Assembly.
The delay stems from the ongoing review of the Electoral Act 2022. Lawmakers are currently debating a significant proposal that could shift the entire election window to November 2026. INEC officials noted that releasing a timetable now, only for the law to change weeks later, would create “unnecessary legal friction and logistical chaos.”
Legal Deadlines Approaching
According to the current Electoral Act 2022, INEC is legally mandated to publish the “Notice of Election” at least 360 days before the polls. If the 2027 date holds, the official announcement must be made by late February 2026. However, the Commission warned that the legislative delay might force “minor adjustments” to the projected timeline.
Focus on 2026 Off-Cycle Polls
While the nation awaits the 2027 roadmap, the Commission is shifting its energy toward three major elections scheduled for 2026:
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections (February 21, 2026)
Ekiti State Governorship Election (June 2026)
Osun State Governorship Election (August 2026)
.
Verification Warning
INEC has advised political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public to ignore “speculative dates” and rely solely on announcements made via the Official INEC Website or their verified social media channels.
As of today, the commission emphasizes:Â No dates for the 2027 campaign, registration, or voting have been formally approved.
