Police And INEC Warns Political Parties Against Premature Campaigns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force have cautioned political parties against premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions breach electoral laws and could attract sanctions.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said on Wednesday that political parties and their supporters were already engaging in subtle campaigns despite the law restricting campaign activities to 150 days before elections. He described the trend as a growing threat to democratic governance and urged lawmakers to amend the Electoral Act to empower the commission with stronger sanctioning powers.

Speaking at a roundtable in Abuja, Yakubu referenced Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling day. He lamented that many political actors had disregarded this rule through billboards, rallies and media promotions. He also warned that early campaigns undermine campaign finance monitoring, as huge sums are spent outside the regulated period.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who also attended the forum, pledged to enforce compliance with electoral laws. He noted that while the relevance of strict timelines could be debated in today’s political climate, the police remain duty-bound to uphold existing laws.

Former INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, called for stiffer penalties, including holding parties and candidates responsible for third-party campaigns. He also renewed calls for the creation of an Election Offences Commission and Tribunal to strengthen enforcement.

The Presidency restated its opposition to early campaigns, recalling that in April it disowned billboards promoting President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said both leaders remained focused on governance and had not authorised any 2027 campaign activity.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) denied sponsoring early campaigns and expressed support for INEC’s move to sanction offenders. But the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the APC of being the worst violator, citing widespread billboards and posters as evidence. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) urged caution, saying there is often a thin line between party promotion and outright campaigning.

The Labour Party gave mixed reactions. Its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, dismissed INEC’s capacity to enforce the law, accusing the commission of bias. However, the party’s legal adviser, Kehinde Edun, backed INEC, stressing that penalties are provided in law but warning that enforcement could face legal challenges in court.

As political activities intensify across the country, concerns are growing that early campaigning is heating up the polity more than a year before the 2027 elections, raising fresh questions about governance, accountability and electoral integrity.