…As 2027 billboards, rallies flood cities
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has raised alarm over the surge of premature political campaigns across Nigeria, warning that the trend threatens democratic governance but admitting it lacks the legal power to stop offenders.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, speaking at a stakeholders’ roundtable yesterday in Abuja, described the situation as “a disturbing trend” that undermines the spirit of the Electoral Act 2022 and weakens the commission’s ability to enforce campaign finance rules.
Section 94(1) of the Act prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before elections, but Yakubu noted that while the law prescribes a fine of ₦500,000 for campaigns within 24 hours of voting, it imposes no penalty whatsoever for early campaigns.
“Political actors seem perpetually in election mode,” he said. “From rallies to billboards and empowerment programmes, we are already seeing open campaigns for 2027, long before INEC even releases the election timetable”.
Yakubu admitted Nigerians expect INEC to act but stressed that the “major challenge is the law itself.” He disclosed that the commission has invited lawmakers, party leaders, and civil society groups to recommend urgent amendments to close gaps in the Electoral Act.
The INEC boss warned that unchecked premature campaigning not only distorts governance but also inflates political costs, making it difficult for the regulator to monitor campaign spending.
Yakubu, however, expressed optimism that collaboration with the National Assembly, media regulators, and advertising bodies would produce actionable solutions, even as political billboards of President Bola Tinubu and other aspirants continue to flood Nigerian cities.
