Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, has firmly rejected a widely circulated claim suggesting that March 26 has been set as the deadline for government officials intending to contest elective offices to step down from their current positions.
The claim, which appeared in the form of a graphic shared across multiple social media platforms, alleged that the Commission had issued a directive requiring political office holders seeking elective positions in future elections to resign by that date.
However, the Commission clarified that the information is false and did not originate from any of its official communication channels.
In a public notice released on Friday, INEC urged Nigerians to disregard the graphic, describing it as misleading and fabricated.
The Commission emphasised that it had not issued any announcement fixing March 26 or any other date as a resignation deadline for political office holders planning to contest elections.
According to INEC, the misleading graphic is part of a growing trend of false election-related information circulating online, particularly on social media platforms where unverified content can spread rapidly.
The Commission warned that such misinformation can confuse voters, political actors, and media organisations if not promptly corrected.
The electoral body explained that INEC follows clearly defined procedures when making announcements that affect political parties, government officials, or electoral processes.
Any official update, directive, or guideline from the Commission is always communicated through recognised channels to ensure that the public receives accurate and reliable information.
These official channels include the Commission’s website, its verified social media accounts, and press releases issued by authorised officials.
By relying on these platforms, citizens can easily confirm the authenticity of election-related updates and avoid being misled by unofficial messages.
The Commission therefore advised journalists, political stakeholders, and the general public to verify sensitive electoral information before sharing it widely.
According to INEC, responsible information sharing plays a crucial role in maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral processes.
Electoral observers have noted that misinformation tends to increase during politically sensitive periods, particularly when discussions about future elections begin to intensify.
False announcements about timelines, candidate eligibility, or political regulations can create unnecessary tension and misunderstanding among citizens.
For this reason, the Commission reiterated that INEC remains committed to ensuring transparency and clarity in all its communications with the public.
The electoral body stated that it will continue to provide timely updates whenever new guidelines, deadlines, or electoral schedules are officially approved.
Officials also emphasised that misinformation about electoral matters can undermine democratic participation if people begin to doubt the accuracy of official information.
To prevent this, the Commission urged Nigerians to develop the habit of cross-checking important announcements directly from verified sources before accepting them as genuine.
The Commission further encouraged political parties and aspirants to rely on formal communication from the electoral body when planning their political activities.
This, according to the Commission, helps prevent confusion and ensures that all stakeholders operate within clearly established electoral rules.
Observers say the swift clarification by INEC reflects the Commission’s ongoing effort to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process in the digital age.
As social media continues to play a major role in information sharing, institutions are increasingly required to respond quickly to false claims that could mislead the public.
In recent years, the spread of manipulated graphics and fabricated announcements has become a recurring challenge for government institutions and election management bodies.
Such materials are often designed to look official, making it difficult for some members of the public to distinguish between genuine announcements and false ones.
By issuing a prompt clarification, the Commission hopes to prevent further circulation of the misleading graphic and reassure Nigerians that any legitimate electoral directive will always be communicated through official and verifiable channels.
Ultimately, the electoral body reaffirmed its dedication to openness, accountability, and accurate communication.
INEC stressed that maintaining public trust in the electoral system remains a top priority as the country continues to strengthen its democratic institutions.
The Commission concluded by reminding citizens that credible information is essential for a healthy democracy.
Nigerians were therefore encouraged to rely on verified updates from INEC whenever they seek clarification on election-related matters.
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