The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) claims that it is legally prohibited from imposing penalties on candidates who have launched campaigns in advance of the general election in 2027.
Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of INEC, addressed a roundtable of stakeholders on premature political campaigns in Abuja on Wednesday.
Yakubu stated that although the Electoral Act 2022’s section 94(1) forbids campaigns to begin more than 150 days prior to the polls, there is no legal penalty for violating this rule.
“Quite correctly, Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaign. However, the major challenge for the commission is the law itself,” he said.
Yakubu clarified that campaigns that are launched within 24 hours of election day are only subject to a punishment of up to N500,000 under section 94(2) of the act.
He claimed that in defiance of the law, politicians and their followers have persisted in erecting billboards, holding demonstrations, and launching media campaigns.
“Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates. These actions and activities undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits,” he said.
Yakubu went on to say that in order to find answers, the panel invited regulators, politicians, party leaders, and civil society organisations to the conference.
“As the national assembly is currently reviewing our electoral laws, the commission has also invited the leadership of both the senate and house of representatives committees on electoral matters. I am confident that they will give due consideration to actionable recommendations,” he said.
The chairman of the Electoral Institute and national commissioner for INEC, Abdullahi Zuru, stated that one of the most concerning issues facing Nigerian democracy is the early campaigns.
“Aspirants frequently use religious events, cultural festivals, billboards, branded cars, and even social media influencers as fronts for premature campaigns,” he said.
The trend, he continued, diverts elected officials from their duties, undermines public trust in the political process, and increases mistrust of the rule of law.
“We must refine the regulatory framework so that what constitutes premature or early campaigning is more clearly defined in today’s digital age,” he added.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
