Nigeria faces surge in premature 2027 election campaigns, raising concerns over governance, fairness, and enforcement of Electoral Act provisions
Political parties and aspirants across Nigeria have begun campaigning for the 2027 elections well ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releasing the official timetable, raising concerns about governance, fairness, and electoral integrity.
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Cities and remote villages alike are now adorned with billboards, flyers, and posters promoting political parties and aspirants.
Observers warn that these early activities, often disguised as party promotions or community events, blur the line between electioneering and governance.
Deputy Editor Emmanuel Oladesu noted that the surge in premature campaigns spans all six geopolitical zones, state assemblies, senatorial districts, and local governments.
Analysts say the practice undermines the 150-day official campaign period outlined in Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which aims to prioritise governance over electioneering.
Former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega described the trend as a “technical violation” that erodes electoral integrity, while Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru highlighted the difficulties regulatory agencies face in enforcing the law due to loopholes and unregulated digital campaigns.
Abdu-Zuru explained that aspirants exploit social media platforms, cultural festivals, religious gatherings, and philanthropic initiatives to signal ambitions well before the official campaign window.
“Billboards and branded vehicles sometimes appear with slogans that stop just short of open solicitation but leave little doubt about the intent,” he said.
Experts warn that early campaigns favour wealthy candidates, raise election costs, distract incumbents from governance, and reduce public confidence in the electoral system.
Social media amplification further complicates enforcement, as it allows campaigns to reach voters cheaply and virally.
Political commentator Ayuba Ahmad and researcher Kafilat Taiwo emphasised that the current legal framework is insufficient, with minimal penalties for early campaigns and limited mechanisms for enforcement.
They called for amendments to the Electoral Act, stricter monitoring of social media and offline campaign activities, and public education initiatives to promote compliance.
The Nigerian Police and regulatory agencies such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) have also been urged to take proactive roles in monitoring and enforcing campaign regulations.
Taiwo suggested that aspirants who violate the law should face disqualification, while INEC should employ technology-based monitoring to track digital campaigns and enforce sanctions.
She added that voter education on campaign timelines and risks of early electioneering is critical to accountability.
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The persistent trend of premature campaigning underscores the urgent need for reforms to preserve fairness, strengthen governance, and maintain public trust ahead of the 2027 elections.
