ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of politicians and their allies launching premature campaigns under the guise of philanthropy and public appreciation events, in violation of electoral laws.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute (TEI), Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, sounded the warning on Wednesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ roundtable convened to address “The Challenges of Premature Political Campaigns.”
Prof. Zuru noted that many aspirants have resorted to subtle campaign tactics, cleverly branding them as acts of generosity or gratitude, while leveraging billboards, social media platforms, and public gatherings to promote their political ambitions ahead of the official campaign window.
He cautioned that such practices undermine the spirit of fair competition and electoral integrity, stressing that stakeholders must work together to curb the menace before it erodes public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Details later…
Comments