2027 campaigns illegal, disruptive — Femi Falana

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has condemned early political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing them as illegal and a distraction from governance.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Falana criticized politicians for engaging in premature campaigns, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“As far as the Electoral Act is concerned, the ongoing campaign is totally illegal and diversionary.

Nigerians expect governance, not politicking, at this time,” he said.

Falana emphasized that the law clearly outlines when campaigns should begin, adding that the current political activities violate those timelines and distract from addressing urgent national issues like electricity shortages, education crises, and decaying infrastructure.

He called on both the media and the public to hold politicians accountable and shift political discourse away from ethnicity and religion, focusing instead on tangible solutions to national problems.

“When will the government actually govern, if elections are allowed to dominate all four years?” Falana asked, stressing the need for adherence to the rule of law and proper democratic processes.