The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, warned Wednesday that premature political campaigns violate Nigeria’s electoral laws and undermine democratic governance, urging lawmakers to close legal gaps that hinder enforcement ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a roundtable on the issue in Abuja, Yakubu highlighted how early activities by parties and candidates complicate monitoring and fuel instability.

Yakubu pointed to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which bars campaigns until 150 days before polling day and requires them to end 24 hours prior to voting. Despite this, he noted a “disturbing trend” of outdoor ads, media promotions, and rallies promoting parties and aspirants well before official schedules for off-cycle governorship polls, FCT area council elections, and the 2027 vote. “Political parties, candidates and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mood,” he said, even as INEC has yet to release timetables.

The INEC chief explained that while Section 94(2) imposes a N500,000 fine for campaigning within 24 hours of polls, no penalties exist for violations starting earlier than 150 days out. This, he argued, limits the commission’s ability to track campaign finances and curb excessive spending by politicians and third-party agents. “These actions undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits,” Yakubu stated, calling the legal void a major barrier to regulation.

Yakubu acknowledged Nigerians’ expectations for INEC to act but stressed the need for broader reforms, inviting input from Senate and House committees on electoral matters amid ongoing reviews of the Act. The roundtable included representatives from the National Broadcasting Commission, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, and Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, fostering discussions on collaborative solutions.

The concerns come amid heightened political activity, including rallies and “empowerment” events often seen as veiled campaigns, which have escalated tensions in past cycles like 2023. With Nigeria’s four-year electoral terms, early jostling risks diverting focus from governance and deepening divisions, Yakubu said, emphasizing the need for timely amendments to safeguard the 2027 polls.