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As the race toward the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have raised alarm over the surge in premature campaigns by political parties across the country.
At a roundtable held at the Electoral Institute in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, described the trend as a “disturbing violation” of the Electoral Act 2022, which restricts campaigns to 150 days before polling day and requires all campaign activities to end 24 hours before voting begins.
Yakubu lamented that despite the legal framework, political actors have already launched subtle and overt campaigns, including rallies, billboards, posters, and social media promotions.
“Political parties, candidates, and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mode, even when the Electoral Commission is yet to release the timetable,” Yakubu noted.
He warned that these premature activities make it difficult for the commission to monitor campaign finance limits, as vast sums of money are spent before official tracking can begin.
Yakubu also highlighted a gap in the law: while Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act imposes a N500,000 fine for campaigns within 24 hours of elections, there are no penalties for campaigns launched earlier than 150 days to the polls.
“This is the challenge for the commission in dealing with early campaigns,” he added, while calling on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to empower INEC with stronger enforcement powers.
Also speaking at the roundtable, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun expressed concern over early mobilisation and the influence of social media in driving campaigns.
While questioning whether strict regulation of campaign timing remains practical in today’s digital environment, Egbetokun affirmed the police’s commitment to enforce existing laws.
“As a law enforcement agency, we have a duty to enforce every law duly passed by the legislature,” the IGP said. “We will continue to provide security and ensure campaigns remain peaceful, lawful, and within the set framework.”
Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, went further, advocating for stiffer penalties and stronger institutional frameworks. He urged the establishment of an Election Offences Commission and Tribunal to handle breaches, including premature campaigns.
Jega warned that unchecked early campaigning fuels political instability, entrenches impunity, and diverts attention from governance to perpetual electioneering.
He also accused third-party groups of engaging in billboard campaigns, adverts, and social media promotions for candidates, often funded through illicit financing. Jega urged the EFCC and ICPC to intensify scrutiny of campaign financing.
“All candidates and their parties should be held responsible for premature campaigns, whether directly or through third parties,” Jega said.
The Presidency has also weighed in, distancing President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from billboards and promotional materials already springing up nationwide.
In a statement by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency urged supporters to stop unauthorised campaigns, insisting that the administration remains focused on governance, not elections.
“As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any action that undermines our electoral institutions,” the statement read.As the race toward the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have raised alarm over the surge in premature campaigns by political parties across the country.
At a roundtable held at the Electoral Institute in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, described the trend as a “disturbing violation” of the Electoral Act 2022, which restricts campaigns to 150 days before polling day and requires all campaign activities to end 24 hours before voting begins.
Yakubu lamented that despite the legal framework, political actors have already launched subtle and overt campaigns, including rallies, billboards, posters, and social media promotions.
“Political parties, candidates, and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mode, even when the Electoral Commission is yet to release the timetable,” Yakubu noted.
He warned that these premature activities make it difficult for the commission to monitor campaign finance limits, as vast sums of money are spent before official tracking can begin.
Yakubu also highlighted a gap in the law: while Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act imposes a N500,000 fine for campaigns within 24 hours of elections, there are no penalties for campaigns launched earlier than 150 days to the polls.
“This is the challenge for the commission in dealing with early campaigns,” he added, while calling on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to empower INEC with stronger enforcement powers.
Also speaking at the roundtable, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun expressed concern over early mobilisation and the influence of social media in driving campaigns.
While questioning whether strict regulation of campaign timing remains practical in today’s digital environment, Egbetokun affirmed the police’s commitment to enforce existing laws.
“As a law enforcement agency, we have a duty to enforce every law duly passed by the legislature,” the IGP said. “We will continue to provide security and ensure campaigns remain peaceful, lawful, and within the set framework.”
Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, went further, advocating for stiffer penalties and stronger institutional frameworks. He urged the establishment of an Election Offences Commission and Tribunal to handle breaches, including premature campaigns.
Jega warned that unchecked early campaigning fuels political instability, entrenches impunity, and diverts attention from governance to perpetual electioneering.
He also accused third-party groups of engaging in billboard campaigns, adverts, and social media promotions for candidates, often funded through illicit financing. Jega urged the EFCC and ICPC to intensify scrutiny of campaign financing.
“All candidates and their parties should be held responsible for premature campaigns, whether directly or through third parties,” Jega said.
The Presidency has also weighed in, distancing President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from billboards and promotional materials already springing up nationwide.
In a statement by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency urged supporters to stop unauthorised campaigns, insisting that the administration remains focused on governance, not elections.
“As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any action that undermines our electoral institutions,” the statement read.
English