Nigerian Politics

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed frustration over its inability to sanction politicians and political parties engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing gaps in the law.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, revealed this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ roundtable in Abuja, themed “The Challenges of Premature Political Campaigns.”

Yakubu explained that while Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides mild sanctions for parties or individuals who campaign within 24 hours before polling day, there are no penalties for campaigns that begin before the 150-day window officially stipulated by law.

He emphasized that Section 94(1) prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before an election and requires they end 24 hours before polling. According to him, the purpose of this provision is to prioritize governance over endless politicking.

Despite repeated warnings, political parties continue to flout the law. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has already adopted President Bola Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate, while the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has confirmed his intention to contest again in 2027. Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has also declared his ambition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Yakubu lamented that Nigeria has effectively become a country in “constant campaign mode,” undermining both governance and INEC’s regulatory role.

He stated:

“Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns, and rallies promoting political parties and candidates. These actions undermine the Commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits, as huge sums of money are spent before the official campaign period begins. Nigerians expect INEC to act, but the challenge lies in the gaps within the law itself.”

Yakubu added that while Section 94(2) imposes fines of up to ₦500,000 for campaigns held within 24 hours of an election, there is no penalty for campaigns launched before the 150-day window. He stressed the need for urgent reforms to close these legal loopholes.

He further explained that the meeting was convened to allow legislators, political leaders, civil society organizations, and regulators—including the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON)—to brainstorm on practical solutions.

“Protecting our electoral process and consolidating democracy is a multi-stakeholder task,” Yakubu said, expressing confidence that recommendations from the forum would help strengthen the electoral framework.

In his remarks, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Institute (TEI), Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, described early campaigns as one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy.

He noted that political actors often disguise campaigns through cultural festivals, religious gatherings, billboards, branded vehicles, and even social media influencers, who promote aspirants long before campaigns are legally allowed.

Zuru stressed that such practices distort fairness, inflate the cost of political competition, and distract public officials from governance.

“Over time, this erodes confidence in the electoral system and fuels cynicism about whether the law can truly be enforced,” he said.

He called for clearer definitions of premature campaigning in the digital age and stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability.