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No Sanctions! INEC Explains Why Politicians Get Away With Pre-2027 Campaigns
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has voiced frustration over its inability to sanction politicians and political parties already engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, blaming gaps in the Electoral Act.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this known on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ roundtable in Abuja themed “The Challenges of Premature Political Campaigns.”
Yakubu explained that although Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prescribes mild penalties for campaigns conducted within 24 hours before polling day, the law provides no punishment for campaigns launched earlier than the 150-day window stipulated in Section 94(1).
He stressed that the law was designed to ensure governance takes precedence over endless politicking. Yet, despite repeated warnings, politicians continue to flout the rules.
For instance, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has already endorsed President Bola Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for 2027, with the backing of its National Executive Committee and state caucuses.
Similarly, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared he will contest in 2027, pledging to serve a single four-year term if elected. Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has also announced his presidential ambition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), boasting that he has the political strength to unseat Tinubu.
Yakubu lamented that parties and their supporters have turned Nigeria into a nation locked in perpetual campaign mode.
He noted that INEC would continue pushing for reforms to close legal loopholes and impose stronger sanctions on early campaigns.
“Across the country, we have witnessed outdoor adverts, media promotions, and rallies by parties and aspirants,” Yakubu said. “Such activities undermine INEC’s ability to track campaign finance limits, as politicians, prospective candidates, and third-party agents spend huge sums of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official campaign window opens.”
He added: “Nigerians rightly expect INEC, as the registrar and regulator of political parties, to act against these blatant violations. However, our major challenge remains the law itself. Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 only imposes mild sanctions — a fine of up to ₦500,000 on conviction — for campaigns within 24 hours of polling day.”
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