INEC warns early political campaigns pose threat to democracy

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has cautioned against the growing trend of premature political campaigns in Nigeria, describing it as a violation of electoral laws and a serious threat to democratic governance.

Speaking on Wednesday at a one-day roundtable on the challenges of early political campaigns, held at the Electoral Institute in Abuja, Yakubu said the commission has observed a “disturbing trend” of political activities ahead of official timelines, particularly concerning upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, the FCT Area Council polls, and the 2027 general election.

Citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, Yakubu reminded political actors that campaigns must not commence earlier than 150 days before election day and must end 24 hours before voting begins.

Despite this, he lamented, parties, candidates, and supporters continue to engage in rallies, outdoor advertising, and media campaigns well ahead of INEC’s official timetable.

“This constant electioneering undermines the commission’s ability to monitor campaign finance limits,” he warned, noting that large sums are being spent by politicians and third-party actors outside the regulated campaign period.

While Nigerians expect INEC to act, Yakubu stressed that gaps in the law limit the commission’s powers. He pointed out that although Section 94(2) of the Act prescribes a fine of N500,000 for campaigns within 24 hours of an election, there is no penalty for campaigns launched before the 150-day window.

“This is the real challenge for the commission in dealing with early campaigns,” he said.

Yakubu admitted the problem is not new, but argued that the inability of INEC and other regulators to enforce restrictions within the existing legal framework requires urgent review.

He welcomed the ongoing efforts of the National Assembly to amend the electoral law and expressed confidence that actionable recommendations from experts would be considered.

The INEC Chairman also commended the participation of regulatory partners, including the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), saying their collaboration was vital to finding practical solutions.

His warning comes amid intensifying political activity across the country, with politicians staging empowerment programmes, project inaugurations, and large gatherings—many of which are widely seen as veiled campaign events.

Observers note that Nigeria’s four-year electoral cycle has increasingly been marked by premature politicking, often turning governance into a secondary concern.

Similar patterns were evident in the build-up to the 2023 elections, when campaign rhetoric dominated public discourse months before INEC formally declared campaigns open.