With nearly two years to go before Nigeria’s next presidential election, political activity is already heating up across the country. Parties and individuals are openly campaigning, despite clear prohibitions in the Electoral Act 2022, which allows electioneering only 150 days before polling day.

Many Nigerians fear that political leaders are abandoning governance to focus on premature campaigns, while regulators like INEC and the police appear powerless—or unwilling—to act.

INEC Raises Alarm

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, recently described the trend as “disturbing”, citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act which bars campaigns outside the official window. He warned that early campaigns undermine transparency, especially in monitoring campaign finance, as huge sums are being spent unaccounted for.

Yet, Yakubu admitted a critical gap: while the law fines offenders who campaign within 24 hours of an election, there is no explicit sanction for those who start early.

Opposition and Civil Society Push Back

The PDP and ADC accused the ruling APC of being the worst offender, claiming governors are diverting public resources—especially fuel subsidy windfalls—into premature campaigns.

The rights group SERAP has threatened legal action against INEC if it fails to sanction violators, stressing that “early election campaigns are unconstitutional and illegal”. SERAP argued that the commission is not helpless and can invoke other constitutional provisions to regulate parties and track campaign funding.

Legal Voices Weigh In

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) urged INEC to take offenders to court, insisting the body has powers to issue rules and regulations to cover such legal gaps. “If you fail to comply with a court order, you’ve committed contempt and you will go to jail,” he warned.

Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, also condemned the trend, warning that unchecked early campaigns pose a serious threat to the integrity of the 2027 elections.