INEC Warns Political Parties: No Early Campaigning for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a clear warning to political parties: early public campaigning for the 2027 general elections is illegal and violates the Electoral Act.

This caution was delivered by Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Oyekanmi addressed growing concerns about covert political marketing and the spread of posters across the country, activities many see as premature electioneering.

“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 for the next general election,” he stated.

INEC reminded all parties that the law is clear on campaign timelines:

• Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 states that public campaigns can only begin 150 days before polling dayand must end 24 hours before the election.

• Section 95(1) further requires all candidates and their parties to campaign according to INEC’s regulations.

Oyekanmi emphasized that any open solicitation of votes or premature rallying activities are outside the bounds of the law.

While acknowledging that Nigerians have the right to discuss and debate political futures, INEC drew a firm line between public discourse and active campaigning.

“It is improper and against the Electoral Act to openly campaign or solicit votes for the 2027 elections,” Oyekanmi stressed.

He added that the issue was raised during INEC’s most recent quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, where the commission called for strict compliance with legal guidelines.