The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disowned a fake online publication claiming to be a special announcement on governorship candidates in six states ahead of the 2027 elections.
The commission identified the affected states as Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano, urging members of the public to disregard the publication and obtain electoral information only through its verified communication channels.
INEC described the publication as fraudulent, stressing that it did not originate from the commission.
“The Commission wishes to categorically inform the general public that the publication is FAKE and did not originate from INEC,” the statement partly read.
The commission further urged Nigerians to refrain from sharing the fraudulent publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the omission of several governorship candidates from INEC’s final list of candidates for the 2027 elections.
In Kano State, the Kwankwassiyya Movement has vowed to engage the commission over the omission of Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) deputy governorship candidate, and his principal, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
The movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, described the omission as shocking, insisting that the candidates had fulfilled the requirements for registration.
Speaking on Arise Television, Mohammed said the movement would explore available legal options to address the matter.
He maintained that there had been no previous disagreement with INEC concerning the candidates and expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved through engagement with the commission.
According to him, electoral provisions allow affected candidates 14 days to seek redress over omissions from the final list.
Mohammed also said the movement was unaware of any court judgment or order that could have justified the omission.
The NDC has similarly described the omission as an error and said it was seeking a correction.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced discussions with INEC over the omission of its governorship candidates in Ogun and Gombe states.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the PDP was working towards an amicable resolution in accordance with the law and established electoral guidelines.
He assured the affected candidates, party members and supporters that the party was treating the matter seriously and would provide updates when necessary.
The PDP also urged those affected to remain calm and patient while discussions with the commission continued.
The party cautioned against actions or statements that could undermine the ongoing engagements, reaffirming its commitment to resolving the issue through lawful means.
INEC released its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections on Saturday.
The list, signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and published on its website, contained 13 candidates in Ogun State and 16 in Gombe State, with no PDP candidate listed in either state.
Those omitted included Ladi Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, and Isa Ali Pantami, the party’s candidate in Gombe State.
The omissions have triggered reactions from the affected parties and political movements, with efforts underway to engage INEC and seek clarification or correction through the appropriate legal procedures.
