2027: INEC Debunks Fake Governorship Candidates’ Announcement in Six States

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed as fake a purported announcement concerning governorship candidates in six states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The affected states are Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano.

INEC, in a notice issued on Monday and shared through its official social media platforms, clarified that the circulating publication did not originate from the commission.

The electoral body cautioned Nigerians against sharing or relying on the purported announcement, urging the public to verify election-related information through its recognised communication channels.

According to the commission, the publication is false and should not be treated as an official statement on the status of governorship candidates in the affected states.

INEC identified its official website as inecnigeria.org, alongside its verified social media accounts, including @inecnigeria on X and Instagram, and INEC Nigeria on Facebook. It also directed the public to its news portal, inecnews.com, for authentic updates.

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

Following the publication, reports emerged that some anticipated candidates were missing from the released lists, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates Ladi Adebutu in Ogun State and Isa Pantami in Gombe State.

However, the published documents did not state the reasons for the omissions.

INEC reiterated the importance of relying on verified information from its official platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.