The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faces widespread condemnation over its failure to curb premature 2027 election campaigns, which are now visible nationwide, exposing a critical loophole in the Electoral Act that limits the commission’s power to impose sanctions.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing a fierce public backlash over its inability to curtail premature political campaigns for the 2027 general elections, activities that violate the Electoral Act 2022.
Billboards, including those featuring “Grassroots Support for Tinubu 2027” and “Tinubu Continuity 2027,” have sprung up in Abuja and across the country, three years ahead of the polls. The Electoral Act stipulates that campaigning should commence only 150 days before polling day.
Former INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, highlighted the challenge at an Abuja roundtable, noting the law is defective. He stated, “However, the major challenge for the Commission is the law itself… there is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election. Here lies the challenge for the Commission in dealing with early campaigns…
Civil society and political opposition groups, including the Obidient Movement’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, argue the ruling party is the biggest offender, a claim the Presidency has previously denied while demanding the removal of the materials.
Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, recommended urgent reforms: “all election campaign offences, especially premature campaign offences, should be carefully defined, stiff penalties specified, and strictly applied where applicable.”
New INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who was confirmed this week, has promised to protect the integrity of the electoral process.