INEC Denies Setting March 26 Resignation Deadline for Government Officials

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially debunked a viral graphic claiming that the Commission had set March 26 as the mandatory deadline for government officials seeking elective offices to resign.

In a public notice issued via its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, March 6, 2026, the electoral umpire described the information as "false and misleading," clarifying that no such directive has been authorized by the Commission’s leadership.

The disclaimer follows the rapid circulation of a digital poster across various social media platforms, which suggested a looming cut-off date for political appointees in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

INEC’s intervention is intended to prevent administrative confusion and preempt potential legal disruptions within the political parties as they prepare for primary elections.

The Commission noted that the unauthorized graphic did not originate from its communication department and lacked the official insignia of authenticity required for such high-stakes policy pronouncements.

In the official notice, the Commission urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant against the proliferation of misinformation. The statement noted: "The Commission wishes to state clearly that the information is false and did not emanate from INEC. INEC has not issued any such announcement, and the graphic being circulated is fake and misleading."

The notice further advised: "Members of the public, media organisations, and political stakeholders are therefore advised to disregard the message in its entirety."

To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, INEC emphasized that all statutory timelines and official updates are strictly disseminated through its verified institutional channels. These include its official website, verified social media handles, and formal press releases.

The Commission encouraged citizens to "verify election-related information through these official sources and avoid sharing unverified content capable of misleading the public," reiterating its commitment to transparency and timely communication.