As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force have warned political parties to desist from early campaigns in violation of electoral laws.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, raised concern on Wednesday that some political actors had already begun subtle campaigns, despite legal provisions that restrict such activities to 150 days before polling.
INEC Raises Alarm Over Premature Campaigns
Speaking at a roundtable on the challenges of early political campaigns, held at the Electoral Institute in Abuja, Yakubu described the trend as a breach of the Electoral Act 2022 and a threat to democratic governance.
“Political parties, candidates and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mood even when the commission is yet to release the timetable for elections,” he said, citing outdoor advertising, rallies and media promotions already in circulation.
Yakubu warned that premature campaigns undermine INEC’s ability to track campaign financing, as large sums of money are spent outside the legally defined campaign period. He called for reforms to strengthen the commission’s powers, noting that existing laws provide sanctions for campaigns within 24 hours of an election but are silent on violations that occur before the official campaign window.
“With the National Assembly currently reviewing our electoral laws, the commission has invited lawmakers to give due consideration to actionable recommendations from experts,” Yakubu stated.
Police Vow Enforcement
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also addressed the forum, stressing that the police would uphold the law against violators.
While questioning the relevance of traditional campaign restrictions in the digital age, he affirmed the force’s responsibility to enforce laws passed by the legislature.
“We will continue to enforce every law duly passed by the National Assembly and provide adequate security to ensure campaigns go on peacefully whenever they are allowed,” Egbetokun said.
Jega Calls for Stiffer Penalties
Former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, urged stricter penalties to curb the rising culture of premature campaigns. He warned that unchecked violations distort the political playing field, entrench impunity and undermine democratic stability.
Jega called for clearer definitions of campaign offences, firm sanctions on both parties and their third-party supporters, and closer scrutiny of campaign financing by anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC.
He also reiterated his support for the creation of an Election Offences Commission and Tribunal to investigate and prosecute electoral offences.
Parties Trade Blame
The development has sparked sharp reactions across the political spectrum.
- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being the worst offender, citing campaign billboards and early political messaging. Both parties demanded sanctions against the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
- The APC, however, dismissed the allegations. Its spokesperson, Bala Ibrahim, insisted that neither the party nor the president had engaged in unlawful campaigning, stressing that the party supports INEC’s efforts to enforce the law.
- The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) urged caution, noting the thin line between genuine party promotion and electioneering.
- The Labour Party presented divided views: while its legal adviser, Kehinde Edun, backed INEC’s enforcement drive, former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticised the commission’s capacity to sanction offenders, alleging bias towards the ruling party.
Presidency Distances Itself from 2027 Billboards
Meanwhile, the Presidency reiterated its opposition to premature campaigning. A statement issued earlier this year by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga disowned billboards and campaign materials bearing President Tinubu’s image, insisting that neither the president nor his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, had authorised such promotions.
“The two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land,” the Presidency stated, urging supporters to focus on governance rather than electioneering.
A Growing Trend
Observers warn that Nigeria’s four-year electoral cycle is increasingly dominated by early campaign build-ups, which distract from governance and heighten political tension. Analysts say without stronger enforcement mechanisms and legal reforms, premature campaigning will remain a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s democracy.