Professor Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of INEC, has attributed early political campaigns for the 2027 general elections to gaps in the Electoral Act 2022 and Nigerian laws. The electoral chairman made these remarks during a one-day roundtable focused on the challenges of early political campaigns, which took place at the Electoral Institute in Abuja on Wednesday.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of INEC, has attributed early political campaigns for the 2027 general elections to gaps in the Electoral Act 2022 and Nigerian laws.
The electoral chairman made these remarks during a one-day roundtable focused on the challenges of early political campaigns, which took place at the Electoral Institute in Abuja on Wednesday. He noted that the current practice of conducting political campaigns before the official timeline is facilitated by the absence of clear legal penalties or sanctions for violating electoral guidelines.
There have been signs of early campaigning in the country, as signposts, banners, and flyers bearing the images and insignia of politicians have been circulating the country in preparation for the 2027 general election.
Despite Nigeria operating on a four-year electoral cycle, with the next general election still two years away, politicians have begun canvassing and campaigning, which started subtly but has now grown into gatherings where open declarations by candidates have already occurred.
This action violates the country’s electoral law, which allows only the Independent National Electoral Commission to set the official campaign timetable; no campaigns may begin before this period.
However, politicians are already jumping the process without any legal consequences. This has forced the hands of some civil society organisations to write to the electoral chairman, asking INEC to issue a public order barring political parties from holding campaigns.
Professor Yakubu observed that INEC’s ability to address violations is restricted by legal gaps. He noted that while Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 sets a maximum fine for campaigning within 24 hours of an election, there are no penalties for early campaigning before the 150-day mark.
Professor Yakubu highlighted the necessity of electoral reform, noting that the issue of early campaigns is being considered as part of the ongoing review of the Electoral Act by the National Assembly.
“The major challenge for the commission is the law itself; there is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election. Here lies the challenge for the commission in dealing with the early campaign.
“Political parties, candidates and their supporters are perpetually in election mood even when the Electoral Commission is yet to release the Timetable and Schedule of activities for elections.
“Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates,” the INEC Chairman noted.
“These actions and activities undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits as politicians, prospective candidates and third-party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns
“The seeming inability of the commission and other regulatory agencies to deal with the menace within the ambit of the existing electoral legal framework calls for deep reflection,” Yakubu said.
“With the National Assembly currently reviewing our electoral laws”, the commission has also invited the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters. I am confident that they will give due consideration to actionable recommendations by experts.”
