INEC, Police Warn Parties Against Early Campaigns Ahead Of 2027 Elections

As the race to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gathers pace, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force have sounded a stern warning to political parties over premature campaigns, describing them as a breach of electoral law and a threat to democratic stability.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, lamented the “disturbing trend” of political actors launching subtle campaigns years before the official timetable. Speaking at a roundtable in Abuja, he reminded stakeholders that Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 forbids campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling.

Yakubu warned that such activities distort the playing field, fuel wasteful spending, and undermine INEC’s ability to monitor campaign finance. However, he admitted that the commission’s hands are tied by weak sanctions in the law. “While there is a fine for campaigning within 24 hours of elections, there is no sanction at all for breaches before the 150-day window,” he noted, calling for urgent legal reforms.

Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, backed stricter penalties, insisting that both parties and third-party groups who mount early billboards and adverts must be held accountable. He urged anti-graft agencies to investigate campaign financing and reiterated his call for an independent Election Offences Commission.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also weighed in, pledging enforcement but questioning whether campaign timelines should be re-examined in today’s digital-driven environment. “Do we really need to continue to regulate campaigns in 2025?” he asked, while assuring that the police will uphold any law passed by the legislature.

The Presidency has also distanced itself from billboards promoting President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for 2027, warning supporters to desist. APC, meanwhile, denied engaging in premature campaigning and expressed support for sanctions against violators.

Opposition parties disagree. The PDP and African Democratic Congress accused the ruling party of being the worst offender, pointing to the surge of APC billboards across major cities. “It’s only the APC that has been campaigning. They should be sanctioned,” ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said.

The NNPP urged caution, noting the difficulty of distinguishing between party promotion and outright campaigning, while the Labour Party questioned INEC’s capacity to sanction offenders fairly, accusing the body of complicity.

With more than a year to go before the polls, the early battle of posters, rallies, and subtle propaganda is already heating up Nigeria’s political space — once again raising fears that electioneering is displacing governance long before the first ballot is cast.