2027: Electoral law constrains INEC from punishing politicians for early campaigns – INEC Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is constrained by law from sanctioning politicians who have begun campaigning ahead of the 2027 general election.

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu made the remark on Wednesday, September 10, in Abuja during a stakeholders’ roundtable on premature political campaigns.

Yakubu explained that while section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits campaigning earlier than 150 days before polling, the law does not prescribe sanctions for such violations. “Quite correctly, Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaign. However, the major challenge for the commission is the law itself,” he said.

He added that section 94(2) only allows a fine of up to N500,000 for campaigns within 24 hours of polling day, leaving the commission powerless against widespread early campaign activities. According to Yakubu, politicians and their supporters have continued to hold rallies, unveil billboards, and run media campaigns in defiance of legal limits, undermining INEC’s ability to track campaign finance.

The commission invited lawmakers, party leaders, civil society organisations, and regulators to the forum to explore solutions. “As the National Assembly is currently reviewing our electoral laws, we have invited the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives committees on electoral matters. I am confident they will give due consideration to actionable recommendations,” Yakubu said.

INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Zuru described early campaigns as one of the most worrying challenges of Nigeria’s democracy. He said aspirants exploit cultural festivals, religious events, billboards, branded vehicles, and social media influencers to promote themselves prematurely. “When aspirants or parties compete to dominate visibility long before the official campaign period, it distorts fairness and raises the cost of political competition,” Zuru said.

He warned that the trend distracts elected officials from governance, erodes public confidence in the electoral system, and fuels cynicism about the rule of law. “We must refine the regulatory framework so that what constitutes premature or early campaigning is more clearly defined in today’s digital age,” he added.

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