The rising wave of political endorsements and alignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections is a blatant distraction from the pressing needs of governance and a violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Development Diaries reports that even though it is still over two years until the allowed period for electioneering, political supporters have been working hard to publicly campaign for their preferred candidates.
With nearly two years left in the current administration’s term, the focus should be on delivering democratic dividends to citizens who have endured significant socio-economic challenges since the last election.
Although some legal professionals argue that endorsements are not campaigns, the appearance and aim of such actions seem to indicate otherwise.
This premature politicking undermines public trust in institutions and diverts attention from the real business of governance, which remains critical to addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.
Citizens, many of whom are still reeling from the impact of the 2023 elections, are yet to see the promised dividends of democracy materialise in their daily lives.
For citizens, these early campaigns are a distraction from pressing governance issues. Many Nigerians continue to face worsening poverty, inflation, and declining public services, yet their elected representatives are already angling for future power.
This shift in political attention away from governance to electioneering undermines public trust in democratic processes and risks widening the accountability gap between leaders and the electorate.
Endorsements and campaign rhetoric, regardless of legal interpretations, signal a disregard for the people’s immediate needs and the rule of law.
Nigerians are demanding responsive leadership, not rehearsed campaign slogans for elections still two years away.
From a legal standpoint, the Electoral Act 2022 provides clear guidelines for the commencement of campaigns.
According to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, every political party’s public campaigning shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before that day.
While individual endorsements may not technically constitute a violation, the organised and strategic mobilisation around candidates raises serious concerns about compliance and neglect of governance.
Development Diaries calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to assert its regulatory authority by drawing clear lines between endorsements and subtle campaigning, and by ensuring early violators are held accountable.
Also, political actors must return their focus to governance, and citizens must actively demand accountability for current mandates.
The 2027 elections must not be allowed to overshadow the responsibilities of today’s leadership.
Photo source: INEC Nigeria
