Despite clear prohibitions in the Electoral Act 2022, major political parties have already kicked off campaigns for the 2027 general elections, breaching the 150-day restriction ahead of polling day. Findings across Nigeria show a growing trend of early electioneering activities, even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains mute on enforcing the law.
According to INEC’s tentative timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections are expected in February 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections will likely follow in March. By the provisions of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, campaigns are only permitted to begin 150 days before the elections, placing the legal start date around September 2026. Yet, from late 2024 through 2025, political advertisements, billboards, defections, and digital promotions have flooded the public space.
The early campaigns span billboards, branded materials, “thank-you tours,” and covert political events. Across cities like Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Abuja, campaign slogans and political posters have become commonplace, with party loyalists openly projecting presidential and gubernatorial ambitions.
Supporters of key political figures—such as President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and other high-profile politicians—have begun voter engagement activities and launched online promotional campaigns. Some state governors have also joined the fray. In Lagos and Oyo, for example, political billboards and branded buses signal veiled ambitions of continuity or advancement in 2027.
Despite the violations, regulatory bodies like the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have failed to take visible action. Analysts say the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s involvement has further weakened enforcement.
INEC has neither issued warnings nor taken any punitive action. This, observers argue, encourages opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and others to also breach the law.
Section 94 of the Electoral Act stipulates penalties for early campaigning, including fines for political parties and media outlets that violate the law. Section 96 extends penalties to individuals and organisations that circulate political content within 24 hours to or on polling day. Despite these provisions, several political groups and surrogates have continued to push boundaries with plausible deniability.
In Osun, Rivers, Enugu, and Adamawa states, early realignments and endorsements have stirred the political waters. Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s recent support for the ADC coalition targeting President Tinubu’s re-election has intensified politicking in Osun. In Adamawa, large posters of a senator aiming for the governorship seat have emerged, while in Enugu, reports suggest Governor Peter Mbah may be considering an APC defection to support Tinubu.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi has also stirred debate by pledging to serve a single term if elected in 2027. His vow to fix Nigeria’s major issues within two years has drawn criticism from Anambra Governor Charles Soludo, who dismissed it as unrealistic.
The defection of governors like Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Ifeanyi Okowa (former Delta governor) to the APC has been accompanied by public endorsements of Tinubu, further fuelling speculation of early campaign strategies.
Experts warn that these developments could weaken democratic fairness. Prof. Arthur Martins-Aginam said the trend shows selective enforcement of the law and deepening political corruption. He stressed that smaller parties and new aspirants are already at a disadvantage.
Other analysts, including Dr Olubukola Ayoola of the University of Ilesa and political scientist Prof. Gbade Ojo, noted that while what is happening may be classed as mobilisation or alignment, it reflects misplaced priorities and a growing disconnect between governance and the people’s needs.
Legal experts, however, say the campaigns remain unofficial until INEC lifts the embargo. NBA Ibadan Chairman, Ibrahim Lawal, and former Oyo Attorney-General, Oluwaseun Abimbola (SAN), argued that expressions of interest and party realignments do not amount to formal campaigns under the law.
As early politicking escalates, public concern grows that politicians are neglecting governance for 2027 ambitions. Observers say unless INEC and other regulatory bodies enforce compliance with the Electoral Act, the country risks further erosion of democratic norms.
