The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to political parties against premature campaigning for the 2027 general elections, declaring current mobilization efforts unlawful.
Amid growing political activities including billboard installations and public endorsements, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary Rotimi Oyekanmi emphasized that the Commission has not yet released the official election timetable.
“Party primaries have not been held, and no political party has nominated candidates for the next general election,” Oyekanmi stated.
He explained that Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 clearly stipulates that public campaigning may only commence 150 days before polling day, while Section 95(1) mandates all campaign activities must comply with INEC’s prescribed regulations.
“We’ve previously cautioned parties during our last quarterly meeting,” Oyekanmi revealed, noting that while political discourse remains permissible, organized campaigning before the approved window constitutes a violation of electoral laws.
The Commission’s early intervention reflects growing concerns about maintaining electoral integrity as political actors increasingly test boundaries ahead of the 2027 cycle, with INEC signaling its intent to strictly enforce campaign period restrictions.
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