The independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned political parties against early open campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election, describing the desperation as a violation of the Electoral Act. INEC made this known through a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary of the Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, in Abuja yesterday while responding to a question about the current subtle campaigns and printing of posters going on in the country ahead of the 2027 general election.
INEC said it is yet to release a timetable for the election, and therefore any form of campaign is illegal.
The statement partly reads, Open campaigns are allowed before 150 days before polling day and must end 24 hours prior to that day.
“INEC has not released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections. To that extent, party primaries have not been held, and no political party has nominated candidates for the next general election.
The statement added, “Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 stipulates that the period of campaigning in public by political parties for an election shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
“Section 95 (1) of the Act also states clearly that a candidate and his or her party shall campaign for an election in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be determined by INEC,” he said.
The electoral umpire explained that while Nigerians have the right and liberty to engage in political discussions and express their views on the next general election, any open campaign or canvassing of votes for the 2027 general election is a clear violation of the electoral act.
In this regard, INEC drew the attention of all political parties in Nigeria to the situation during the commission’s last quarterly consultative meeting it held, adding that INEC expects full compliance with the law. NAN
