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

As the race towards the 2027 general election intensifies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force have warned political parties against embarking on premature campaigns in violation of electoral laws.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, decried the rising cases of subtle and open campaigns despite clear provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which restrict campaign activities to 150 days before polling day and requires them to end 24 hours before voting. Speaking at a one-day roundtable in Abuja, Yakubu described the situation as a “disturbing trend” that undermines electoral integrity and democratic governance.

He warned that early campaigns compromise INEC’s ability to monitor campaign finance, as politicians and third-party groups expend unregulated funds outside the official window. “The major challenge for the commission is the law itself. While Section 94(2) prescribes a fine of N500,000 for campaigning within 24 hours of an election, there is no penalty for campaigns before the legal window opens. This gap makes enforcement difficult” Yakubu said.

The INEC boss pledged to work with the National Assembly to amend the law, granting the commission stronger sanction powers. He also called for collaboration with regulatory agencies such as the National Broadcasting Commission and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria to curb premature advertising and media promotions.

On his part, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, vowed to enforce compliance with the law, insisting that early campaigns not only violate electoral provisions but also heighten political tension. He urged stakeholders to reflect on whether campaign regulations should be reviewed to balance security, governance, and democratic rights. “The Nigeria Police will continue to enforce every law duly passed and ensure campaigns remain peaceful,” he assured.

Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, also weighed in, urging tougher sanctions and clearer definitions of premature campaign offences. He called for the establishment of an Election Offences Commission and Tribunal to investigate and prosecute violations, stressing that unchecked early campaigns distort the political playing field, fuel divisions and entrench impunity.

The warnings come amid mounting accusations among political parties. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being the worst offender, citing widespread billboards and rallies promoting President Bola Tinubu. Both opposition parties demanded strict sanctions. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) urged caution, noting the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine party promotion and unlawful campaigning.

The APC, however, denied the allegations, insisting neither the party nor President Tinubu had engaged in premature campaigns. The Presidency also reiterated its earlier stance, disowning billboards and campaign materials promoting Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for 2027.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party expressed mixed views. While its legal adviser, Kehinde Edun, backed INEC’s enforcement powers, its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, through his former spokesman, questioned the commission’s capacity to sanction offenders fairly, alleging that INEC itself often fails to uphold its own rules.

As political tension rises, observers warn that Nigeria’s four-year electoral cycle is increasingly dominated by premature campaigns, which shift focus from governance to electioneering. With over a year to the 2027 polls, stakeholders say reforms are urgent to ensure a level playing field and restore discipline to the nation’s democratic process.