Our Reporter, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised fresh concerns over the growing menace of premature political campaigns in the country, warning that the trend undermines the integrity of elections, distorts fair competition, and erodes public confidence in the electoral system.
The alarm was sounded on Wednesday at a one-day stakeholders’ roundtable on premature political campaigns, convened by The Electoral Institute (TEI), the research and training arm of INEC, at its headquarters in Abuja.
Chairman of the TEI Board, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, in his welcome address, said the dialogue was aimed at interrogating what he described as the “growing trend of early political campaigns, albeit being denied by the actors involved.”
He noted that politicians now employ subtle tactics to beat the rules, including the use of cultural festivals and religious gatherings to hint at their ambitions. According to him, “social media influencers and content creators have also become active players, flooding online platforms with songs, skits, and hashtags that promote aspirants months before campaigns are legally permitted.”
Prof. Zuru cautioned that the practice distorts the level playing field, increases the cost of political participation, diverts attention from governance, and weakens electoral credibility.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who addressed the forum, pointed to gaps in the nation’s electoral law as the Commission’s biggest challenge in curbing the trend.
Citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which restricts campaigns to a 150-day window before elections, Prof. Yakubu lamented the absence of penalties for breaches.
“There is no sanction whatsoever concerning campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election. Here lies the challenge for the Commission,” he said.
He added that the premature activities also frustrate efforts to monitor campaign financing, as large sums are spent outside the legally permitted window.
To address the problem, Prof. Yakubu disclosed that the Commission had invited the leadership of the National Assembly Committees on Electoral Matters to the forum to hear directly from stakeholders. He expressed optimism that the ongoing review of the Electoral Act by lawmakers would provide an opportunity to plug the legal loopholes.
Stakeholders at the roundtable are expected to make recommendations aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework and ensuring that Nigeria’s elections remain credible, competitive, and transparent.
