The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to political parties and politicians against engaging in premature campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, labeling such actions as a clear violation of the Electoral Act.
The caution comes amid growing concerns over early endorsements, posters, and rallies, particularly in support of President Bola Tinubu’s potential second term, despite the absence of an official election timetable.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, emphasized that the commission has not yet released the schedule for the 2027 elections.
“No political party has conducted primaries or nominated candidates for the next general election. Any open campaigning or vote canvassing at this stage is illegal,” Oyekanmi said, citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which permits campaigns only within 150 days before polling day, ending 24 hours before the election.
He also referenced Section 95(1), mandating compliance with INEC’s regulations.
The warning follows observations of subtle campaign activities, including posters and public rallies, which INEC says breach electoral laws.
Victoria Etta-Messi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education, noted on Channels Television’s Politics Today that politicians are using third-party proxies to promote their campaigns, making enforcement challenging.
“The main problem is that politicians are being smart by half, using proxies to put themselves in the faces of Nigerians,” she said.
INEC raised the issue during its recent quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, urging strict compliance with the law.
The commission’s stance has been echoed by prominent voices, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, who criticized early campaigns and called for INEC to take decisive action to curb violations.
The controversy has sparked debates, with opposition figures like former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi alleging that INEC is deliberately delaying the registration of new opposition parties, such as the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), to favor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaechi, speaking on Politics Today in July 2025, claimed, “The political space is closed for the benefit of the APC,” accusing INEC of frustrating opposition efforts.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have seen growing discussions about the 2027 elections, with some users expressing skepticism about INEC’s impartiality and calling for electoral reforms to ensure transparency, such as making IReV and BVAS justiciable.
INEC, however, maintains that its focus remains on upholding the Electoral Act and ensuring a level playing field for all parties.
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