Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned Nigerians against a fake online publication claiming to announce governorship candidates in six states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission identified the affected states as Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano, describing the circulating publication as fraudulent and insisting that it did not originate from the electoral body.
In a public notice issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, and shared through its official social media platforms, INEC urged members of the public to disregard the publication and avoid circulating it further.
“The Commission wishes to categorically inform the general public that the publication is FAKE and did not originate from INEC,” the notice stated.
The commission further clarified that any claim suggesting it had issued a special announcement concerning governorship candidates in the six states was false.
INEC advised Nigerians to verify electoral information through its official website, press releases, statutory notices and verified social media accounts rather than relying on unconfirmed online publications.
The warning comes amid heightened political activity surrounding the 2027 general elections and controversy over the commission’s recently published final lists of governorship candidates.
INEC released the lists for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections on Saturday, October 10, with reports subsequently emerging that some prominent candidates had been omitted.
Among those affected were Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates Ladi Adebutu in Ogun State and Isa Pantami in Gombe State. The published documents did not state the reasons for their omission.
The controversy has generated questions among political parties, candidates and supporters about participation in the forthcoming elections. However, the disputed online publication should not be confused with INEC’s official candidate lists.
The commission reiterated the importance of obtaining accurate electoral information through its authorised communication channels and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against misleading publications.
INEC listed its official website as inecnigeria.org, with its verified social media accounts operating under the handle @inecnigeria.
The commission also provided contact channels for enquiries and further clarification, urging the public to confirm election-related announcements before sharing them.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the latest warning underscores the importance of verifying claims about candidates, party nominations and electoral decisions through official sources.
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