The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed concern over the rising wave of premature political campaigns across the country, warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s electoral laws and democratic process.
Speaking at a one-day roundtable on early political campaigns held on Wednesday at the Electoral Institute in Abuja, Yakubu described the trend as “disturbing” and a direct violation of the Electoral Act 2022. He pointed to recent activities in connection with forthcoming off-cycle governorship polls, the Federal Capital Territory council elections, and the 2027 general elections.
Citing Section 94(1) of the Act, which bars campaigns from starting earlier than 150 days before polling, the INEC chairman lamented that political actors often ignore the provision. “Parties, candidates and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mode, even before INEC releases the timetable of activities,” he said.
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Yakubu noted that rallies, outdoor advertisements, and media promotions already dominate the political landscape, posing serious challenges for campaign finance monitoring. “These activities compromise our ability to track campaign spending, as large sums are expended before the official campaign window,” he explained.
While acknowledging public expectations for INEC to enforce the law, he admitted the commission’s authority is limited. Section 94(2) prescribes fines for campaigning within 24 hours of an election, but the law is silent on breaches before the 150-day threshold. “This is the major challenge confronting the commission,” he stressed.
