The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned Nigerians against circulating a fake online publication claiming to be an official announcement of governorship candidates in six states.
The commission identified the affected states as Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano, describing the publication as fraudulent and unrelated to its official communications.
In a public notice issued on Monday, October 12, INEC urged members of the public to disregard the document and avoid sharing it further.
INEC says publication is fake
The electoral commission said the circulating document did not originate from the agency.
It also rejected claims that it had issued a special announcement concerning governorship candidates in the six states.
INEC advised Nigerians to verify election-related information through its official website, press releases and verified social media accounts before accepting or sharing such claims.
Warning comes amid preparations for 2027 elections
The warning comes as political parties and electoral authorities prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Candidate lists and nomination disputes have attracted public attention, making accurate information particularly important for voters, political parties and their supporters.
False election announcements can mislead voters, create confusion among party supporters and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Voters urged to verify information
INEC called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified electoral information.
The commission has official channels through which it publishes notices, candidate information and election updates.
Voters should check those sources rather than relying on screenshots, forwarded messages or documents circulated without clear evidence of their origin.
The danger of fake election information
False claims about candidates can spread quickly online, especially when they involve popular politicians or contentious party disputes.
Once such claims circulate widely, corrections may not reach everyone who saw the original publication.
This places responsibility on social media users, political supporters and news organisations to verify information before publishing or sharing it.
What voters should do
Anyone who encounters a purported INEC announcement should check whether it appears on the commission’s official platforms.
If the document cannot be verified, it should not be presented as genuine.
For a country approaching another major election, reliable information is essential. Voters need accurate candidate lists and official announcements, not fabricated documents capable of distorting public understanding.
INEC’s message is clear: Nigerians should verify election information before sharing it.
https://yaroinsider.ng/inec-debunks-fake-governorship-candidates-list-six-states/
