ABUJA — The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed frustration over the Commission’s inability to sanction political parties, candidates, and their supporters who engage in premature campaigns ahead of elections.
Speaking at a roundtable themed “Challenges of Premature Political Campaign”, Yakubu noted that while the 2022 Electoral Act prescribes a fine of N500,000 for campaigns conducted less than 24 hours to an election, there are no penalties for campaigns launched before the legally approved 150-day window.
“Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling and requires them to end 24 hours before election day. Yet, around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns, and rallies promoting candidates long before INEC even releases the official timetable,” he said.
The INEC boss warned that such activities undermine campaign finance monitoring, as huge sums are spent outside regulatory oversight. He stressed that Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to enforce the law — but the absence of sanctions for early campaigning makes the task difficult.
“Section 94(2) provides mild sanctions — a maximum of N500,000 — for campaigns within 24 hours of polling, but none for campaigns before the 150-day mark. This legal gap remains a major challenge,” Yakubu explained.
He emphasized that the problem of early campaigning is not new, adding that the inability of INEC and other regulators to address it under the current framework calls for urgent review.
To address the issue, Yakubu disclosed that INEC has convened stakeholders — including legislators, political party leaders, civil society groups, media regulators, and the Nigerian Bar Association — to brainstorm on reforms, especially as the National Assembly is reviewing the Electoral Act.
“The Commission strongly believes that protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and consolidating democracy is a shared responsibility,” he added.
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