By Ademuyiwa Balikis
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed serious concern over the growing trend of politicians and their supporters engaging in early campaigns, describing the act as a violation of the Electoral Act.
In a statement, the Commission reminded political parties, aspirants, and their surrogates that it has not released the timetable or schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections. INEC stressed that without such a timetable, there are no officially nominated candidates and therefore no legal basis for any form of public campaigning.
According to the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns are only permitted to begin 150 days before an election and must end 24 hours before polling begins. The law also mandates that all campaign activities must follow INEC’s rules and regulations. Any campaign activities carried out before that time, the Commission noted, are illegal and inappropriate.
Despite these provisions, several politicians and their allies have already begun rolling out posters, organizing rallies, and making public endorsements, all of which INEC insists contravene the law.
Civil society organizations have also joined in raising concerns, warning that the trend undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. Groups such as the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and other advocacy organizations have called for stricter enforcement of the law and sanctions against violators.
INEC, while cautioning against further violations, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the electoral process remains credible and guided strictly by the law.
