The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has alerted the general public to a fraudulent publication currently circulating on various online platforms and purporting to be a special announcement by the electoral body concerning issues affecting the list of governorship candidates in six states of the federation.

In a public notice issued on Sunday, the Commission stated that its attention had been drawn to the fake publication, which claims that INEC has issued a special announcement regarding governorship candidates in Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano States.

The electoral umpire categorically stated that the publication in circulation is false, misleading and did not emanate from the Commission, urging Nigerians to disregard it in its entirety and to refrain from further sharing or reposting it.

INEC explained that it has not issued any special announcement relating to governorship candidates in the six states mentioned in the fraudulent publication, and that any information suggesting otherwise should be regarded as fake news and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

The Commission expressed concern over the increasing circulation of fake news and fraudulent statements purportedly issued in its name, noting that such misinformation has the potential to cause confusion, tension and unnecessary apprehension among political stakeholders and the general public.

It therefore called on members of the public to be vigilant and to always verify electoral information through its official and verified communication channels, rather than relying on unverified social media posts, blogs and forwarded messages.

The Commission listed its official communication platforms through which authentic information and notices are disseminated to the public, urging citizens to rely solely on those channels for accurate electoral information.

According to INEC, its official website remains http://www.inecnigeria.org, while its verified Facebook page is INEC Nigeria, and its official handles on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram are @inecnigeria.

The Commission also disclosed that its official news portal is http://www.inecnews.com, where press releases, official statements, election timetables and other important information are regularly published for public consumption.

INEC reiterated that all genuine announcements, press releases, notices and updates concerning electoral activities, including issues relating to candidates, political parties and election logistics, are issued only through its verified platforms and duly signed by its authorised spokespersons.

It warned that any publication or announcement that does not appear on its official website, social media handles or news portal should be treated as fake and disregarded, regardless of how convincing it may appear.

The Commission further clarified that its procedures for handling issues relating to candidates, including substitution, disqualification or court orders, are clearly stipulated in the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, and that such matters are communicated through formal and official channels.

INEC emphasised that it would never announce sensitive issues concerning governorship candidates through anonymous online posts or unofficial channels, as being portrayed in the fraudulent publication currently in circulation.

The electoral body noted that the circulation of fake publications in its name is not only mischievous but also capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process and creating distrust among political parties and their supporters.

It therefore urged the public to exercise caution and to avoid sharing unverified information, especially on sensitive political matters, without first confirming its authenticity from INEC’s official sources.

The Commission also called on media organisations, online bloggers, social media influencers and other content creators to verify information from INEC before publishing or sharing, to avoid being used as vehicles for spreading falsehood and misinformation.

INEC stated that it remains committed to conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections and to keeping the public accurately informed at all times through timely and authentic information.

It assured Nigerians that it will continue to provide updates on its activities, including issues concerning candidates, political parties, voter registration and preparations for future elections, through its verified channels.

The Commission also provided dedicated contact channels for members of the public who wish to seek clarification, make enquiries or verify any information purportedly issued by INEC.

According to the public notice, members of the public can contact the INEC Call Centre on 0700-CALL-INEC, which translates to 0700-2255-4632, or through the INEC Short Code 4632 for prompt response.

It also listed two phone numbers, 09084444333 and 09050858629, as well as an email address, iccc@inec.gov.ng, through which enquiries and requests for clarification can be channelled to the Commission.

The Commission added that members of the public can also visit its official website on http://www.inecnigeria.org or its news portal on http://www.inecnews.com for authentic and up-to-date information on its activities.

INEC urged political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, election observers and other stakeholders in the electoral process to disregard the fraudulent publication and to continue to obtain electoral information only from INEC’s official communication channels.

It warned those behind the circulation of fake publications in the name of INEC to desist from such acts, noting that spreading false information capable of causing public disorder is an offence under the laws of the country.

The Commission reiterated its resolve to remain neutral, impartial and transparent in the discharge of its constitutional mandate, and to continue to protect the integrity of the electoral process from misinformation and disinformation.

It finally thanked the general public for its continued support and cooperation, and appealed to all Nigerians to join hands with the Commission in combating fake news by verifying information and reporting suspicious publications purportedly issued in its name.