The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties and aspirants against engaging in premature campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such actions as violations of the Electoral Act.
INEC’s warning comes on the heels of growing concerns over the increasing display of political posters, subtle endorsements, and heightened verbal exchanges among political actors, signs widely seen as the beginning of early electioneering.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Monday, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, clarified that the commission has not released the official timetable or schedule for the 2027 elections, and any political activity geared toward campaigns at this time remains unlawful.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has not released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections,” Oyekanmi stated. “Any form of campaigning by political parties or individuals at this stage is clearly premature and in violation of the Electoral Act.”
The Electoral Act stipulates that public campaigning must only commence 150 days before an election, and INEC has consistently maintained that it will take action against any infractions once the official schedule is in place.
Oyekanmi therefore urged political stakeholders to respect the rule of law and refrain from actions that could overheat the political space or distract from current governance responsibilities.
