Police, INEC Warn Parties Against Early 2027 Campaigns

As preparations for the 2027 general elections begin, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force have warned political parties to stop engaging in early campaigns, which are against the electoral law.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said some parties had already started subtle campaigning, even though the law allows campaigns only 150 days before election day. He described this as a “disturbing trend” that undermines Nigeria’s democracy.

Former INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, also called for strict measures to stop early campaigns. Opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being the main culprit, but the APC defended INEC’s warning.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, promised to enforce the law against any violators.

Yakubu further explained that early campaigns make it hard for INEC to monitor campaign spending and ensure parties follow finance rules. He added that the law itself limits INEC’s powers, since the Electoral Act only sets a small fine (₦500,000) for campaigning too close to election day, but provides no punishment for campaigns that start too early.

He urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to give INEC more authority to sanction offenders.