By Atoyebi Nike
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has cautioned political actors against early campaigns, warning that such activities violate the Electoral Act 2022 and threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking at a roundtable on campaign regulation in Abuja on Wednesday, Yakubu said political parties and their supporters were engaging in outdoor adverts, rallies, and media campaigns well before the legally approved period.
He cited Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, which bars campaigns earlier than 150 days before election day, adding that premature campaigns compromise INEC’s ability to monitor campaign spending.
Yakubu noted that the commission’s enforcement powers are limited, since the law only prescribes a fine for campaigns within 24 hours of voting but offers no sanctions for campaigns held too early.
With the National Assembly currently reviewing the Electoral Act, Yakubu expressed hope that lawmakers would address the gap. He also welcomed the participation of regulators such as the National Broadcasting Commission and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria in finding lasting solutions.
The warning comes as political activity intensifies nationwide, despite the 2027 general elections still over a year away.
