The Independent National Electoral Commission dismissed a viral online document as fraudulent on Monday, warning voters against a fabricated announcement regarding governorship candidates in Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe, and Kano states ahead of the upcoming February 2027 elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission issued a public notice on October 12, 2026, addressing the fraudulent text that had gained traction online. Nigeria’s electoral authority moved quickly to counter widespread confusion on social media, declaring that a circulating list and purported special statement did not originate from its offices.
The commission emphasized that no special announcements regarding governorship candidates had been issued for the six designated regions.
Commission Warns Voters Against Fake Candidate Lists
The electoral agency directed the public to its verified digital platforms to combat misinformation as political activity accelerates ahead of the February 6, 2027, governorship elections. The commission listed official contact channels and platforms for verification and inquiries.
- Official website: inecnigeria.org
- X and Instagram handles: @inecnigeria
- Facebook page: INEC Nigeria
- Dedicated news portal: inecnews.com
- Call centre numbers and short code: 0700-2255-4632 and short code 4632
Additional telephone lines — 090844444333 and 09050858629 — alongside the email address iccc@inec.gov.ng were provided for inquiries.
Omissions Draw Scrutiny Over Candidate Lists
The circulation of the fabricated notice coincided with intense public scrutiny following the actual publication of final candidate lists, which drew attention due to the absence of prominent figures.
In Kano State, the omission of NDC governorship candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo was reported. Legit Hausa reported that Kwankwasiyya called on INEC to explain the reason for the missing names and advised the party and its lawyers to gather registration and candidacy documents to resolve the issue.