From mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process have expressed deep concern over the growing trend of premature political campaigns in the country.
They warned of its dire consequences which include undermining fairness, inflating the cost of politics, and threatening electoral credibility.
The concerns were raised at a one-day Stakeholder’s Roundtable on Premature Political Campaigns, held on Wednesday at the Electoral Institute, Abuja.
The event, convened by INEC, brought together representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, academia, the media, professional bodies, and regulatory agencies.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Board of the Electoral Institute (BEI), Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, noted that early campaigning has become increasingly pervasive, often masked under philanthropy, cultural and religious events, or through third-party groups and social media influencers.
“We have seen aspirants use cultural festivals and religious gatherings to drop hints about their ambitions. Billboards and branded vehicles sometimes appear with cleverly crafted slogans that stop just short of open solicitation.
More recently, social media influencers flood platforms with songs, skits, and hashtags projecting aspirants long before the law permits,” Zuru observed.
Citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates that campaigns should begin 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours to the election, Zuru stressed that the rising disregard for this provision was eroding fairness in the political space.
He warned that premature campaigns not only distort the level playing field but also distract elected officials from governance, inflate campaign costs, and weaken public trust in the system.
“Democracy thrives on fairness, order, and respect for the rules. Respecting the law is not a limitation but an affirmation that our democracy is rooted in integrity,” he said.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in his opening remarks, described early campaigns as a brazen breach of the law that complicates the Commission’s work, particularly in monitoring campaign finance and ensuring compliance with spending limits.
Yakubu highlighted a legal gap in the Electoral Act 2022, pointing out that while Section 94(2) prescribes fines for campaigns conducted 24 hours before polling, there is no penalty for campaigns carried out earlier than the stipulated 150-day period.
“Here lies the challenge for the Commission in dealing with early campaigns. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are perpetually in election mode even before INEC releases the timetable,” he lamented.
The INEC Chairman disclosed that the roundtable was convened to explore practical solutions, especially as the National Assembly reviews the electoral legal framework.
He expressed confidence that actionable recommendations would emerge from the dialogue, with input from lawmakers, regulators such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), as well as civil society.
Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s position that safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy requires collective responsibility.
“Protecting our electoral process and consolidating democracy is a multi-stakeholder task,” he said, thanking participants for their commitment.
The event also featured a keynote address by former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, and panel discussions involving political party leaders, civil society representatives, legal experts, and regulatory institutions.
Stakeholders agreed on the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, clearer legal definitions of premature campaigning in the digital age, enhanced collaboration with media and social media platforms, and sustained voter education to curb the menace.
The roundtable concluded with a call for urgent legislative action to strengthen the Electoral Act, impose stiffer sanctions on violators, and preserve the sanctity of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, the 2026 FCT Area Council elections, and the 2027 General Election.
