The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have warned political parties against starting early campaigns, adding it is in violation of the electoral law.
This was made known on Wednesday during a one-day roundtable on the challenges of early political campaigns, held at the Electoral Institute in Abuja.
During his remarks, the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said, “Political parties, candidates, and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mood even when the Electoral Commission is yet to release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for elections.
“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 as politicians, prospective candidates, and third-party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns.”
He stated that Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 imposes a maximum fine of N500,000 for campaigning within 24 hours of an election; he added, however, that “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 campaign.
“The seeming inability of the commission and other regulatory agencies to deal with the menace within the ambit of the existing electoral legal framework calls for deep reflection.
“With the National Assembly 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 by experts.”
In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun said, “I think there is one very important question that we need to ask, do we really need to continue to regulate campaigns in 2025?
“Based on the fact that there is a need to bridge the gaps between our leaders and the communities and the citizens, that’s one, then two, every law that is made, we on the law enforcement, we have a duty to enforce these laws.
“And then we need to ask ourselves again, what are the relevance of these laws to issues of security and the and development?
“That is the question I want to throw to speakers and participants for us to seriously look deep into.
“Having said that, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to enforce every law that has been duly passed by the Senate, House of Assembly, House of Representatives as well.
“And we will continue to do everything needed to be done to ensure that campaigns go on peacefully at any time, at anywhere it is taking place, and we also ensure to provide adequate security for every election at any location and irrespective of the time.”
