By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disowned a fake online publication claiming to be a special announcement on governorship candidates in six states.
In a public notice issued on Monday and shared across its official platforms, the Commission identified the affected states as Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano.INEC said the publication 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 read.
“INEC therefore urges members of the public to disregard the fraudulent publication and refrain from sharing it.
“The Commission advised Nigerians to rely only on its official website, verified social media handles, and official press releases for authentic electoral information.
The disclaimer comes amid anxiety over INEC’s final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections, which omitted several prominent names including former Minister Isa
Pantami (PD, Gombe), Ladi Adebutu (PDP, Oun) and Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo (NDC, Kano).
In Kano, the Kwankwasiyya Movement said it will engage INEC over the omission of its deputy governorship candidate Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso and governorship candidate Gwarzo, insisting they met all requirements and that the Electoral Act allows 14 days to seek redress.
INEC has not given reasons for the omissions, but reports link them to the Supreme Court judgment of September 24, 2026 restoring Sections 77(5)(6)(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act which bar parties from fielding candidates whose names are not on membership registers submitted to the Commission within the stipulated period.
