2027: INEC warns against fake governorship candidates’ announcement in six states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed as fake a purported special announcement concerning governorship candidates in Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission, in a notice issued on Monday and shared across its official social media platforms, warned Nigerians against circulating or relying on the publication, stressing that it did not originate from the electoral body.

“The Commission wishes to categorically inform the general public that the publication is FAKE and did not originate from INEC,” the notice stated.

INEC urged members of the public to verify election-related information through its recognised communication channels to avoid being misled by false announcements.

The commission listed its official website as inecnigeria.org, while its verified social media accounts include @inecnigeria on X and Instagram, and INEC Nigeria on Facebook. It also directed the public to its news portal, inecnews.com, for official updates.

The warning comes days after INEC published the final lists of candidates for the governorship elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Reports following the publication noted that the names of some expected candidates, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates Ladi Adebutu in Ogun State and Isa Pantami in Gombe State, were absent from the published lists. The documents did not provide explanations for the omissions.

The commission appealed to Nigerians to rely solely on its official platforms for accurate information on candidates and electoral activities as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.