Political analysts and stakeholders have expressed concern over the inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to regulate the activities of political parties across the country.
Many believe that laws and regulations are often disregarded, with institutions either showing weakness or deliberately ignoring their duty to enforce them.
INEC’s handling of political parties’ excesses, especially that of the ruling party, has faced widespread criticism.
At a recent roundtable convened by the electoral body to deliberate on possible solutions to persistent issues, particularly the problem of premature election campaigns, it became evident to citizens that INEC has limited authority to address some of these challenges.
The ruling party has been identified as the major violator in the ongoing controversy. This became apparent when residents of Abuja woke up to see large billboards around the city showing President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi, alongside the inscription “Grassroots Support for Tinubu 2027.”
This effectively announced the President’s bid for a second term three years before the next general election.
However, it has been argued that neither the President nor any other aspirant may have directly initiated these campaigns. Such activities could have been carried out by third parties seeking recognition or favour without the consent of the aspirants.
There is also the possibility that political opponents could sponsor early campaigns to make it appear as though certain aspirants are violating electoral rules.
Another point of concern has been the failure of advertising regulatory agencies to investigate the approval process for these billboards or to remove them promptly if they were not authorised.
Other campaign billboards displaying messages such as “Tinubu Continuity 2027,” sometimes featuring Governor Umar Namadi and others, have also been mounted on major highways and public spaces nationwide.
Beyond physical advertisements, social media platforms such as Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have been flooded with campaign materials in the form of songs, skits, and hashtags promoting various aspirants.
Following previous warnings from INEC, during which some aspirants were cautioned about blatant violations of the law, the Presidency issued a denial, insisting it had no connection with the campaign materials.
The Presidency also demanded the immediate removal of the materials, but its directive was ignored.
Aspirants and their supporters have continued to seize every opportunity to campaign during cultural festivals, book launches, project inaugurations, religious gatherings, and other public events.
Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 stipulates, “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 highlighted several weaknesses and loopholes in the law that politicians continue to exploit.
“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.
Observers have also criticised another section of the Electoral Act, Section 92(4), which provides 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 such provisions appear to benefit politicians, many have called for clearer regulations defining what constitutes premature or early campaigning to eliminate ambiguities and loopholes.
Former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, in a recent address, suggested that all election campaign offences, particularly those related to premature campaigning, should be clearly defined, with strict penalties outlined and enforced.
He also proposed that all candidates, political parties, and especially incumbent officeholders, should be held responsible and sanctioned for premature campaigns conducted by third parties. Furthermore, he urged the EFCC and ICPC to monitor third-party campaigners closely and investigate their sources of funding.
Professor Jega further noted that, when determining whether candidates’ and parties’ expenditures are within legal limits, the expenses of third-party campaigners should also be factored in.
He emphasised that electoral management bodies, including INEC and state electoral commissions, must collaborate effectively to ensure proper enforcement of sanctions when necessary.
In his additional recommendations, Professor Jega advocated for the creation of an Elections Offences Commission and Tribunal, stressing that its establishment has become increasingly vital and should be prioritised in upcoming electoral reforms before the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the issue of premature campaigns, the Convener of Situation Room and former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Ene Obi, expressed concern over the consistent disregard for laws, rules, and regulations 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 speaking, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, stressed that the law should clearly specify penalties for offenders.
He accused the government and the ruling party of already violating the Electoral Act, saying, “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,” maintaining that the Obidient Movement remains cautious about pre-election matters to avoid being held liable.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly is considering shifting Nigeria’s next general elections to late 2026, six months earlier than the usual February 2027 timeline.
The proposal, contained in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, was presented on Monday during a joint public hearing organised by the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters in Abuja.
The bill, which aims to repeal the 2022 Electoral Act and replace it with a new one, has received extensive feedback from lawmakers, civil society groups, and electoral experts.
On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of INEC following a request from President Tinubu.
During his screening, the new INEC Chairman pledged that the Commission would intensify voter education efforts to rebuild public confidence in the electoral system.
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has completed two terms as INEC Chairman.
