Why INEC can’t punish politicians for early campaigns — Mahmood Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says loopholes in the Electoral Act have made it impossible to sanction politicians who are already campaigning ahead of the 2027 general election.

The chairman of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu, stated this on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ roundtable on premature campaigns held in Abuja.

Yakubu explained that while section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 bars campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling, the law does not prescribe any penalty for offenders.

“Quite correctly, Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaign. However, the major challenge for the commission is the law itself,” he said.

ALSO READ: JUST IN: INEC recognises David Mark-led ADC

He noted that the only sanction provided in the Act is a fine of up to N500,000 for campaigns carried out within 24 hours to polling day.

Despite the restriction, Yakubu said politicians and their supporters have continued to stage rallies, mount billboards, and run media adverts across the country.

“Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates. These actions and activities undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits, he said.

The INEC chairman added that the roundtable was convened to explore solutions, noting that the national assembly is already reviewing the electoral law.

“As the national assembly is currently reviewing our electoral laws, the commission has also invited the leadership of both the senate and house of representatives committees on electoral matters. I am confident that they will give due consideration to actionable recommendations,” he said.

Abdullahi Zuru, INEC national commissioner and chairman of the Electoral Institute, described early campaigns as a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, aspirants now exploit cultural festivals, religious gatherings, billboards, branded vehicles and even social media influencers to push campaigns before the official window.

“When aspirants compete for visibility long before the official campaign period, it distorts fairness, raises the cost of political competition, distracts elected officials from governance, and erodes public confidence in the system,” he said.

Zuru added that refining the regulatory framework is necessary to clearly define what constitutes premature campaigning in today’s digital space.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE