RismadarVoice Reporters
October 12, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disowned a purported list of governorship candidates circulating ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the publication as fake.
The disputed document contains names of alleged governorship candidates in Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano states.
In a public notice, the electoral commission said the publication did not originate from INEC and urged Nigerians to disregard it.
“The Commission wishes to categorically inform the general public that the publication is FAKE and did not originate from INEC,” the notice stated.
INEC warned against the circulation of unverified electoral information, particularly as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for the 2027 elections.
The commission advised voters, political stakeholders and members of the public to obtain election-related information exclusively through its official communication channels.
It identified its website, inecnigeria.org, and its verified social media accounts as reliable sources of official announcements.
The clarification follows reports concerning the publication of candidate lists for governorship elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Some reports had raised questions about the absence of certain political figures from the purported candidate lists, including Ladi Adebutu of Ogun State and Isa Pantami of Gombe State.
However, the commission’s warning underscores the need to distinguish authentic electoral documents from unauthorised publications circulating online.
INEC maintained that official announcements concerning candidates and electoral activities should be verified through its recognised platforms before being shared with the public.
The commission urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against misleading election-related information capable of creating confusion during preparations for the polls.
