Yakubu warns early campaigns are threatening Nigeria’s democracy and calls for urgent reforms to strengthen electoral law ahead of the 2027 elections
Yakubu warns early campaigns are dangerously undermining Nigeria’s electoral system, as politicians increasingly defy the law by launching premature political activities.
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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, sounded this warning during a high-level roundtable in Abuja on Wednesday.
Addressing electoral stakeholders, Yakubu expressed concern over the rising trend of unofficial campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election and other scheduled polls.
He referred to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits political campaigns more than 150 days before polling.
“Political parties, candidates and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mood—even when INEC is yet to release the timetable,” Yakubu noted.
Yakubu emphasized that early campaigns not only violate the law but disrupt INEC’s ability to monitor campaign financing.
“These actions undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits,” he said. “Large sums are spent before official campaign periods, making compliance nearly impossible.”
He acknowledged that Nigerians expect INEC to act decisively but highlighted that gaps in the legal framework make enforcement difficult.
While the law imposes a ₦500,000 fine for campaigning within 24 hours of an election, there is no penalty for campaigns that begin before the 150-day mark.
Yakubu urged the National Assembly to strengthen campaign laws. With lawmakers currently reviewing the electoral framework, he expressed hope that INEC’s recommendations will be implemented.
“We are engaging the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters and are confident in their support,” he said.
He also called for coordinated efforts with other regulatory bodies like the National Broadcasting Commission, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria to ensure effective enforcement.
Despite the 2027 election being over a year away, politicians are already hosting events widely seen as disguised campaigns—from empowerment programs to project launches and massive rallies.
Political analysts warn that this hyper-political climate can distract from governance, escalate tensions, and distort the democratic process.
“Early campaigns turn governance into a side activity,” Yakubu warned, calling for restraint among political actors.
Nigeria has seen this pattern before. Ahead of the 2023 general election, concerns about early political rhetoric dominating national discourse were widespread.
But with no legal deterrents, those activities largely went unchecked.
INEC believes stronger laws, combined with public awareness and inter-agency collaboration, can protect the credibility and fairness of elections moving forward.
Yakubu’s warning is a wake-up call to politicians and stakeholders.
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If Nigeria hopes to build a fair, transparent, and accountable electoral system, premature campaigning must be curbed through enforceable laws and active oversight.
