ABUJA — With nearly two years to Nigeria’s next presidential election, the political landscape is already buzzing with premature campaigns — in clear violation of the Electoral Act, which forbids any form of electioneering until 150 days before polls.
From billboards to rallies and media adverts, politicians and their parties are openly canvassing for support, leaving many Nigerians alarmed that governance has been abandoned for a relentless push towards 2027.
Even more worrisome, critics say, is the apparent silence of regulators. Both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force — institutions legally empowered to curb such excesses — have failed to act.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, recently described the situation as a “disturbing trend” during a stakeholders’ roundtable in Abuja, lamenting that political actors were perpetually in campaign mode. He cited Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before election day and mandates an end to all canvassing 24 hours before voting.
“Political parties, candidates, and their supporters disregard these provisions. Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns, and rallies promoting various political parties and candidates,” Yakubu said, warning that such activities undermine INEC’s ability to track campaign finance.
But the electoral body also admitted its hands are tied. While Section 94(2) imposes fines for campaigns within 24 hours of voting, there is no penalty for campaigns held too early. This loophole, Yakubu admitted, has left INEC virtually powerless.
Civil society groups, however, reject INEC’s claims of helplessness. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened legal action, insisting the commission has the constitutional authority to sanction violators.
“Early election campaigns are unconstitutional and illegal. INEC should not be seen as condoning or legitimising this breach,” SERAP said in a strongly worded letter, accusing politicians of squandering public funds — including subsidy savings — on premature electioneering.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being the worst offender.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged INEC to arraign violators in court, arguing that the commission can draft regulations to cover existing legal gaps. “The law cannot cover all situations. INEC should bring rules to stop this illegality. Charge them before the court and let them test it,” he said.
Former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega has also sounded the alarm, warning that unchecked early campaigns could erode electoral integrity. “Premature campaigns are aberrations that disrespect the law, confer unfair advantages, and risk heating up the polity,” he cautioned.
With the 2027 elections still far off, political watchers warn that Nigeria risks descending into a cycle of endless politicking at the expense of governance — unless INEC, the police, and other institutions take decisive action to enforce the law.
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