As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force have warned political parties and their supporters against embarking on premature campaigns in violation of the Electoral Act.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Wednesday decried the “disturbing trend” of subtle campaigns across the country despite legal provisions restricting such activities to 150 days before polling. He described the practice as a clear breach of the law and a threat to democratic governance.
Speaking at a roundtable in Abuja, Yakubu cited Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before election day. He warned that unchecked early political activities undermine campaign finance monitoring, fuel impunity, and distract from governance.
Yakubu urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to provide specific sanctions for premature campaigning, stressing that current provisions only prescribe fines for campaigns within 24 hours of an election.
“We have seen outdoor adverts, media campaigns, and rallies promoting candidates long before the timetable is out,” he said. “The commission’s ability to track campaign financing is severely compromised by these actions.”
He pledged to work with lawmakers, regulators, and civil society to address the loophole.
Police Wades In
Also speaking, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, vowed to enforce existing laws guiding political conduct. While questioning whether traditional restrictions still fit Nigeria’s fast-changing media space, he insisted the police would uphold every law passed by the National Assembly.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to enforce the law and provide adequate security for elections at any time and place,” he said.
Jega Calls for Stiffer Sanctions
Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, urged tougher penalties to deter violations. He called for clearer definitions of campaign offences, accountability for third-party groups promoting candidates, and closer scrutiny of campaign financing by anti-graft agencies.
“Premature campaigns distort the playing field, entrench impunity, and threaten democratic stability,” Jega warned. He renewed calls for the establishment of an Election Offences Commission and Tribunal before 2027.
Presidency Reacts
The Presidency reiterated its opposition to unlawful campaigns, recalling that in April 2025 it disowned billboards promoting President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for 2027.
“President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any campaign that breaches the law,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement.
Parties Trade Accusations
The development has sparked sharp reactions across party lines:
- PDP Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, accused the APC and President Tinubu of being “the worst offenders” and demanded sanctions.
- ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said only the ruling APC had engaged in premature campaigns, pointing to billboards lining Abuja roads.
- NNPP urged caution, stressing the difficulty of distinguishing between party promotion and campaign activities.
- APC publicity director, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the allegations, insisting the party had not breached electoral laws and remained committed to due process.
- Labour Party gave mixed responses: while its former campaign spokesman, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, dismissed INEC’s capacity to sanction parties, its National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, supported enforcement but warned of inevitable legal battles.
Bigger Picture
Analysts say early campaign build-ups have increasingly overshadowed governance in Nigeria’s four-year electoral cycle. Critics warn that without reform, the trend could heighten political tensions, deepen divisions, and erode public trust in democratic institutions ahead of 2027.
