The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties and their supporters against engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Elections, warning that such actions violate the Electoral Act.
The warning was issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
This comes amid reports of political posters surfacing across the country and celebrities openly declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Responding to questions about the growing wave of premature political activities, Oyekanmi emphasized that INEC has not yet released the official timetable for the 2027 elections.
“Open campaigns are allowed only within 150 days before polling day and must end 24 hours before that day,” he stated.
He referenced Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that political campaigns can only begin 150 days before the election and must end a day prior to voting. He also cited Section 95(1), which mandates that all campaign activities must comply with INEC’s established regulations.
“INEC has not released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections. To that extent, party primaries have not been held and no political party has nominated candidates,” Oyekanmi said.
While acknowledging that Nigerians are free to engage in political discourse, he stressed that public campaigning or vote solicitation at this time is not only inappropriate but also a clear breach of the law.
He added that INEC had reiterated this warning during its most recent quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, urging strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.