As the countdown to the 2027 general election accelerates, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force are issuing strong warnings to political parties against premature campaigning, which contravenes electoral regulations.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, expressed concern over political parties initiating subtle campaigns despite existing legal provisions that restrict pre-election activities to 150 days before the polls. “Political parties, candidates, and their supporters seem to be in election mode, even before INEC releases the Timetable and Schedule of Activities,” Yakubu stated.
The surge in early political campaigns has elicited significant backlash from various political factions. Former INEC chairman Attahiru Jega emphasized the necessity for stringent measures to combat this trend, while opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being the foremost violator. In response, the APC defended its practices, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun affirmed his commitment to enforcing electoral laws.
During a roundtable discussion at the Electoral Institute in Abuja, Yakubu described early campaigning as a clear violation of Nigeria’s electoral laws and a potential threat to democratic governance. He reiterated the importance of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits campaigning more than 150 days before an election and mandates that all campaign activities cease 24 hours prior to voting. However, he lamented that many political actors continue to ignore this provision, leading to widespread outdoor advertising, media campaigns, and rallies that distort the electoral landscape.
Yakubu cautioned that such premature activities undermine the commission’s ability to enforce campaign finance regulations, as considerable amounts of money are spent without effective oversight prior to the official campaign period. He noted that while INEC is expected to regulate political activities, the current legal framework presents significant challenges. “There are no sanctions for campaigns that start earlier than 150 days before the election,” he clarified.
The growing trend of early campaigning has been a persistent issue in Nigeria’s electoral process, often diverting focus from governance as politicians prioritize electioneering over public service. This situation has heightened political tensions and divisions, with echoes of similar concerns raised prior to the 2023 elections.
Police Intervention:
In conjunction with INEC, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun addressed mounting concerns over early political mobilization and social media advocacy, asserting that the police would enforce all relevant legal regulations. He posed critical questions regarding the efficacy of traditional campaign regulations amid rapidly changing media dynamics and emphasized the police’s responsibility to uphold laws established by the legislature.
The IGP urged participants at the roundtable to reflect on the implications of campaign laws for national development and security. He assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force would maintain law and order throughout the election period.
Call for Stricter Regulations:
Former INEC chairman Jega called for clearer definitions of campaign violations and substantial penalties to curb premature campaigning. He raised alarms about third-party entities conducting unauthorized promotional activities for candidates, suggesting that candidates should be held accountable for such violations.
He also urged anti-corruption agencies to scrutinize the financial backing behind these third-party activities, which often operate outside the bounds of campaign finance laws.
Jega underscored the need for the establishment of an Elections Offences Commission and Tribunal to address electoral transgressions and maintain the integrity of the election process.
Responses from Political Parties:
In light of these developments, the Presidency reiterated its commitment to lawful electoral practices, disavowing any premature campaigning by supporters of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. A recent statement from the Presidency condemned the rise of unauthorized billboards promoting the upcoming elections, urging that such actions cease immediately.
Political parties, including the APC, PDP, ADC, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), are now voicing support for INEC’s proposals to amend the electoral laws to impose tougher penalties on parties that fail to comply with campaign regulations.
The ruling APC denied accusations of engaging in early campaigning, while opposition parties, including the PDP and ADC, challenged this stance, alleging that the APC is leading in premature campaign activities.
As the debate continues, all parties involved recognize that reforming the electoral process will be crucial for upholding Nigeria’s democratic integrity ahead of the 2027 elections.
