Why INEC Can’t Punish Politicians For Early Campaigns – Yakubu 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is constrained by law from sanctioning politicians who have begun campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of INEC, spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ roundtable on premature political campaigns.

Prof. Yakubu said while section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling, the law provides no sanction for such breaches.

“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.

Prof. Yakubu explained that section 94(2) of the act only prescribes a fine of up to N500,000 for campaigns within 24 hours of polling day.

He said politicians and their supporters have continued to hold rallies, unveil billboards, and run media campaigns in violation of the legal framework.

“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.

Prof. Yakubu added that the commission invited lawmakers, party leaders, civil society organisations, and regulators to the forum to seek solutions.

“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.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Institute, Mr Abdullahi Zuru, noted that early campaigns are one of the most worrying challenges of Nigeria’s democracy.

He said aspirants often use cultural festivals, religious events, billboards, branded vehicles and even social media influencers as fronts for premature campaigns.

“When aspirants or parties compete to dominate visibility long before the official campaign period, it distorts fairness and raises the cost of political competition,” Mr Zuru said.

He added that the trend distracts elected officials from governance, erodes public confidence in the electoral system, and fuels cynicism about 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.