The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a stern warning to political actors and parties, cautioning them against jumping the gun with early campaigns for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the electoral umpire emphasized that it has yet to publish the official timetable for the upcoming polls.
Therefore, any political activity resembling a campaign is unlawful at this stage.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has not released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections. As such, no political party has conducted primaries or nominated any candidate for the election,” the statement clarified.
INEC referenced Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, which permits political campaigns only within a window of 150 days before an election, ending 24 hours prior to the poll.
Additionally, it highlighted Section 95(1), which mandates that all campaign-related activities must align with INEC’s regulations.
“Even though people have the right to express their political views, organised endorsements, mobilisation efforts, and campaign-style adverts aimed at promoting candidates before the official campaign period are not allowed,” the statement added.
INEC noted that this concern was addressed during its most recent engagement with political parties, where stakeholders were reminded to strictly adhere to electoral laws.
The commission urged all politicians and their supporters to demonstrate respect for the electoral process by holding off on campaigns until the official timetable is announced.
This advisory follows a wave of early endorsements and the appearance of posters across various locations backing President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
