The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) expression of ‘worry’ over premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections highlights a recurring problem in Nigeria’s political space – disregard for the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
Development Diaries reports that INEC national commissioner and Chairman, Board of The Electoral Institute (TEI), Abdullahi Zuru, recently disclosed that there is concern over the growing resort to early campaigns by politicians and their surrogates in clear violation of extant laws.
According to media reports, he noted that early campaigns are now disguised as ‘appreciation’ or ‘philanthropy’, done via billboards, social media and even in physical gatherings.
Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 is explicit that campaigns shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before the election.
Anything done outside this timeframe, whether in the form of billboards, rallies, or social media promotions, is unlawful.
Also, politicians disguising campaigns as ‘appreciation’ tours or philanthropy cleverly exploit loopholes in enforcement, but the intent is clear: to gain an unfair head start in mobilising voters.
It is not enough for INEC to merely raise concerns. The law grants the commission and relevant agencies the authority to act.
Section 95 of the Electoral Act also prohibits political campaigns that are abusive, divisive, or conducted outside the lawful campaign period. Violators are liable to fines or imprisonment.
INEC risks creating the impression that its regulatory powers are weak or selective as it is allowing politicians to continuously flout these provisions without sanction.
This gives politicians more power and makes people less likely to follow the rules meant to guarantee a level playing field.
Where necessary, the commission should also test the strength of these provisions in court to set judicial precedents that deter future violations.
Ultimately, the credibility of the 2027 elections depends on strict compliance with the rules from the very start of the electoral cycle.
INEC cannot afford to play the role of a passive observer while politicians blatantly undermine the law.
Beyond stakeholder meetings and expressions of worry, Development Diaries calls on INEC to visibly enforce the law, pulling down illegal billboards, sanctioning erring political parties, and naming violators publicly.
For INEC to be effective, it must work closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to monitor, investigate, and sanction parties or candidates that engage in premature campaigns.
Sanctions could range from fines to disqualification of campaign materials, in line with the Electoral Act’s stipulations.
Anything less would reduce the Electoral Act to a mere document, while politicians continue to bend the rules unchecked.
Photo source: INEC Nigeria
