INEC warns against early campaigns for 2027 elections, calls for sanctions on violators, with police vowing strict enforcement
INEC warns against early campaigns by political actors ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, citing violations of the Electoral Act and the need for stronger sanctions to protect democratic integrity.
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At a roundtable held in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu condemned the rise in premature political advertising, media promotions, and rallies across the country, despite clear legal restrictions that limit campaigns to 150 days before polling day.
Yakubu described the trend as a “disturbing breach” of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly Section 94(1), which sets the campaign window.
He stressed that this early politicking undermines campaign finance tracking and distracts from governance.
“Political parties and candidates appear to be in a perpetual election mode.
This compromises the commission’s ability to track campaign spending and enforce electoral discipline,” Yakubu stated.
Despite INEC’s regulatory role, he admitted the body lacks enforcement powers due to legal loopholes.
He called on the National Assembly to amend the Act to introduce clear penalties for violations, beyond the current maximum fine of ₦500,000.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun also weighed in, warning political actors that the police would enforce all existing campaign laws.
However, he raised philosophical concerns about whether regulating campaign timing remains feasible in today’s digital media age.
“While we have a duty to enforce the law, we must ask whether some of these campaign laws are still relevant,” Egbetokun said.
Nonetheless, the IGP assured stakeholders that the Nigeria Police would provide security and legal compliance throughout the election cycle.
Former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega echoed calls for stricter penalties and the establishment of an Election Offences Commission.
He stressed that political parties and candidates must be held accountable even for third-party campaign violations such as billboards and online promotions.
“Premature campaigns distort the political playing field and threaten democratic stability,” Jega said.
He further urged anti-corruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC to scrutinize third-party campaign financing, which may involve illicit funds.
Reactions from political parties were divided:
- PDP and ADC accused the APC and President Tinubu of early campaigning and called for sanctions.
- NNPP urged caution, noting the difficulty in distinguishing party promotion from active campaigning.
- APC denied the accusations, insisting that it adheres to all INEC regulations.
“We are a law-abiding party.
There’s nothing we’re doing outside the bounds of the law,” said APC spokesperson Bala Ibrahim.
The Presidency also reiterated that President Tinubu does not support unlawful campaigns.
In April 2025, it publicly disowned 2027 campaign billboards bearing Tinubu’s image, warning supporters to cease such activities.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party expressed skepticism about INEC’s capacity to enforce penalties, although its National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, backed INEC’s right to regulate campaign activity within the law.
Analysts warn that Nigeria’s political system is increasingly dominated by early campaign activities, which:
- Shift focus away from governance
- Create unfair advantages
- Fuel political tensions
If left unchecked, early campaigning may erode trust in electoral institutions, deepen partisanship, and weaken democratic accountability.
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As the 2027 elections inch closer, all eyes remain on INEC, the National Assembly, and law enforcement to restore integrity to Nigeria’s democratic process.
