The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned registered political parties
against early campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election, stating that it clearly violate the Electoral Act.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, who gave the warning in Abuja, said that open campaigns are only allowed 150 days before polling day and expected to come to an end 24 hours prior to the election day.

Yukubu, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi while responding to a question about the current subtle campaigns and printing of posters taking place in the country ahead of the 2027 elections, said that INEC has not released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.

According to him; “To that extent, party primaries have not been held and no political party has nominated candidates for the next general election.

“Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 stipulates that the period of campaigning in public by political parties for an election shall begin 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.

“Section 95 (1) of the Act also states clearly that a candidate and his or her party shall campaign for an election in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be determined by INEC,” he said.

The INEC chairman explained that while Nigerians have the right and liberty to engage in political discussions and express their views on the next general election, any open campaign or canvassing votes for the 2027 general election was not only inappropriate, but a clear violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act.

He referenced the situation at the INEC’s last quarterly consultative meeting, stressing that the commission expects all political parties to strictly comply with the provisions of the law.