The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties against conducting public campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission recently revealed that such actions are not only inappropriate but also a clear violation of the Electoral Act.
Reacting during an interview, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, said that INEC has yet to release the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections.
According to him, if the schedule is not out yet, then primaries cannot be held, and no candidate has emerged to warrant any public campaign.
“To that extent, party primaries have not been held, and no political party has nominated candidates for the next general election,” he said.
Rotimi further noted that while the people have a right to engage in political discussions ahead of the election, political parties that openly campaign or canvass for votes will be breaking the rules.
He concluded by saying that public campaigns can only happen 150 days before polling day.
“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 votes for the 2027 General Election is not only inappropriate but also a violation of the Electoral Act.
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.
The attention of all political parties in Nigeria was drawn to this situation at our last quarterly consultative meeting, and the Commission expects full compliance with the law,” he added.
