Political commentators and civic stakeholders have voiced strong concerns over the inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to regulate the behaviour of political parties nationwide.
Many believe that laws and electoral guidelines are often ignored, with institutions either appearing too weak or deliberately failing to enforce them.
INEC’s handling of political parties, particularly the ruling party, has attracted heavy criticism from different quarters.
At a recent stakeholder roundtable convened by the Commission to discuss ways to curb premature campaigns and other electoral issues, it became evident that INEC’s powers to tackle such problems are limited.
The ruling party has been identified as the main culprit in this ongoing issue, which became apparent when Abuja residents woke up to see huge billboards showing President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi, alongside the message: “Grassroots Support for Tinubu 2027.”
This was interpreted as the formal start of Tinubu’s re-election campaign—three years ahead of the 2027 polls.
However, some argue that the President and other potential candidates may not have directly authorised such campaigns, which could have been initiated by third parties seeking recognition or personal gain.
It has also been suggested that political opponents could deliberately sponsor early campaigns to make rivals appear to be breaking electoral rules.
In addition, many have questioned why advertisement regulators failed to query or remove such billboards if they were unauthorised.
Similar messages, such as “Tinubu Continuity 2027,” some featuring Governor Umar Namadi and others, have also appeared on major highways and public locations across the nation.
Beyond physical adverts, social media platforms such as Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are filled with songs, skits, and hashtags promoting particular aspirants.
Following previous warnings from INEC, which had cautioned some aspirants about these violations, the Presidency denied any involvement in the campaigns.
Although it demanded that all campaign materials be withdrawn immediately, this directive was ignored.
Aspirants and their supporters have also continued to use opportunities such as cultural events, book launches, project commissioning, religious gatherings, and similar activities to subtly promote their political ambitions.
According to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022: “For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”
Speaking at the Abuja roundtable, former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu identified major loopholes in the law that are being exploited by politicians.
“INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, [is expected] to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaigns. However, the major challenge for the Commission is the law itself. Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 imposes sanctions, albeit mild (a maximum amount of N500,000 on conviction), on any political party or a person acting on its behalf who engages in campaigns 24 hours before polling day. However, there is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election. Here lies the challenge for the Commission in dealing with early campaigns by political parties, prospective candidates, and their supporters,” Mahmood Yakubu said.
Analysts have also faulted another provision of the Electoral Act, Section 92(4), which states that “No registered political party in Nigeria, its aspirants, or candidates shall be prevented from holding rallies, processions, or meetings at any time for their constitutional political purposes, and the Police shall, in a consultative manner, resolve any conflict of time and venue between and amongst parties where such arises.”
While this clause appears to favour politicians, many observers have called for clearer definitions of what constitutes premature campaigning to eliminate ambiguity and prevent abuse.
Former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, in a recent presentation, proposed that all campaign offences, particularly those relating to early campaigning, should be explicitly defined, with stricter penalties clearly stated and enforced.
He further suggested that all candidates, parties, and especially incumbents, should be held responsible for premature campaigns conducted by third parties on their behalf. He urged the EFCC and ICPC to closely monitor third-party campaigners and investigate their sources of funding.
Professor Jega also noted that in assessing whether political spending complies with legal limits, the financial activities of third-party campaigners should be considered.
He emphasised the need for collaboration between INEC and the State Independent Electoral Commissions to ensure consistent enforcement of sanctions.
Additionally, Jega renewed his call for the creation of an Elections Offences Commission and Tribunal, stressing that such a body is urgently needed and should be established before the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the matter, the Convener of Situation Room and former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Ene Obi, criticised the lack of adherence to the rule of law in the country.
“Well, you have somebody in authority on election matters that has talked about it, but what does the Constitution say? What is the timeline for the election itself?
“Some people have started posting posters, and others say, yes, the posters are posted by third parties and not by them. They don’t know who is posting them. You hear denials and so on and so forth.
“I think we have a problem with the rule of law. We have a problem with obeying the law. INEC has not announced the timetable yet.
“So is it premature? Or is it not premature? Because INEC has the right to hold them accountable. What are the laws?
“But what should be between one election and the other is a time for the government to show what they are doing, or for the ruling party or those who are leading to show they are worthy of being re-elected.
“What we need to warn against is the use of official time for campaigns. They are going to be using official time, when they’re supposed to be working for the people, for campaigns instead of delivering good governance or democracy.
“So for now, we are watching and waiting to see what INEC would do, when the guidelines will come out, and when the campaign will begin officially.
“If INEC can say it cannot implement or enforce it, then who will enforce it? Who has the regulation? Who has the right to disqualify people? All these things are stated in the law.
“In Nigeria, we don’t keep laws. So what are the rules? What are the current rules that are not working? When we see the violations, we come out and voice them. And that’s why, for the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, we look at the laid-down rules.
“That’s why, when INEC is appointing people, you see us coming out, and we call the sections of the law for you. We are not having sanctions. And a country that does not have sanctions, how do they move?
“Even INEC itself, when they are confused on issues, they will tell you to go to court. Even when they are not confused, when it’s very clear for them to make pronouncements, they will tell you to go to court. So who will save us unless citizens rise and stick to the rules, and demand accountability, for people to obey the rules and regulations, and the Constitution of Nigeria.
“And there must be sanctions, like those who have looted the treasury and all of those things. Many of their cases are before the likes of the EFCC, but nobody can take them to court.
“I think we need more civic education. We need people who are patriotic to Nigeria, and that is what is lacking.”
Also commenting, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said there should be clear sanctions against offenders.
He accused the government and ruling party of already breaking the law, stating, “The government is already doing a campaign. It’s completely against the rules and regulations of the Electoral Act, and so they should be held responsible. I don’t think it’s true when INEC said they lack the powers. The rules are there,” while maintaining that the Obidient Movement remains cautious in handling pre-election matters to avoid any violations.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly is considering shifting the next general elections to late 2026, six months earlier than the usual February 2027 schedule.
The proposal, contained in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, was unveiled during a joint public hearing of the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters in Abuja.
The bill, which seeks to replace the 2022 Electoral Act with a new one, has drawn feedback from legislators, civil society organisations, and electoral stakeholders.
On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of INEC after his nomination by President Tinubu.
During his screening, Amupitan pledged that INEC would intensify voter education to rebuild public trust in the electoral process.
He replaces Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has completed his two terms as INEC Chairman.
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