*INEC warns APC, PDP, LP, ADC, other political parties against open election campaigns
*Describes early campaigns for 2027 general election as violation of Electoral Act
*Insists that open campaigns are allowed only 150 days before polling day
*Says “Section 95 (1) of Electoral Act stipulates that campaigns must be determined by INEC
By Our Correspondent with agency report
Apparently reacting to campaign posters and billboards being erected by various political parties ahead of the 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has cautioned political parties against early open campaigns for the General Election, describing it as a violation of the Electoral Act.
Spokesman for the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi was quoted to have issued the warning in Abuja while responding to a question about the current subtle campaigns and printing of posters taking place in the country ahead of the 2027 general election.
”Open campaigns are allowed 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,” said the INEC official.
“To that extent, party primaries have not been held and no political party has nominated candidates for the next general election”, he noted.
“Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 stipulates that the period of campaigning in public by political parties for an election shall begin 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”, Mr. Oyekanmi added.
He also mentioned 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 votes for the 2027 general election was not only inappropriate but a violation of the Electoral Act.
He drew the attention of all political parties in Nigeria to the situation at the commission’s last quarterly consultative meeting, adding that INEC expects full compliance with the law.
