The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned the public to disregard a false article circulating online that claims the commission has released the timetable for the 2027 General Elections.

In a statement on Tuesday, INEC described the information as “not authentic and should be disregarded in its entirety,” stressing that it has not released “any official timetable, schedule of activities, or dates for the 2027 General Elections.”

The commission said that any document or report claiming otherwise is fabricated.

“The details in the false article—including specific election dates, campaign periods, and party primary windows—are entirely speculative and without any official basis. They do not represent the plans or position of INEC,” the statement added.

INEC urged Nigerians, political parties, civil society groups, and all stakeholders to rely only on verified INEC channels for official updates, including its website, verified social media accounts on X, Facebook and Instagram, and official press statements.

“The general public is strongly advised to ignore this misleading report. INEC will make official announcements regarding the 2027 General Elections through the proper channels at the appropriate time,” it said.

Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, described the report as “false and misleading,” noting that the commission operates strictly within the law. He cited Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates INEC to publish a notice of election “not later than 360 days before the date fixed for a general election.”

Meanwhile, INEC has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory. Eligible voters are to collect their PVCs at their respective Registration Area (Ward) centres from 22 to 26 January, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. Voters unable to collect their PVCs during this period may do so later at INEC Area Council offices across the FCT.

PVC collection centres include the INEC offices and designated schools across all six Area Councils. In Central FCT, collection is at the INEC FCT Office, No. 10 Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Area 10, Garki. In Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and the Municipal Area Councils, residents can collect their PVCs at a mix of INEC offices and specified primary and secondary schools, with details provided by the commission.

INEC reiterated that only registered voters with valid PVCs will be allowed to vote and that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System will be deployed for the election.