The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under intense criticism from political observers, civil society organisations, and members of the public over its perceived failure to check the growing wave of premature political campaigns across the country—three years ahead of the 2027 general elections. Large billboards, posters, and digital campaign materials promoting various political figures, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have appeared in several parts of the country, despite clear provisions of the Electoral Act prohibiting such activities before the official campaign period.
Residents of Abuja recently woke up to find massive billboards featuring President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emblazoned with slogans such as “Grassroots Support for Tinubu 2027” and “Tinubu Continuity 2027.” Similar campaign materials have been sighted in other major cities, many of them pairing the President with prominent state governors and allies. The displays, according to critics, constitute a direct breach of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which states that political campaigns shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before the election.
The sudden proliferation of these materials has raised questions about institutional enforcement and whether INEC has the capacity—or the legal backing—to curb such political excesses. Responding to the outrage, the Presidency dissociated itself from the posters and billboards, insisting that neither the President nor the All Progressives Congress (APC) authorised them. It claimed that the campaign materials were likely the handiwork of overzealous supporters or political opportunists seeking favour. However, despite the Presidency’s directive that the materials be taken down, most of the campaign visuals remain in place, further fuelling perceptions that regulatory agencies lack the will or power to enforce compliance with electoral laws.
At a recent stakeholders’ roundtable in Abuja, the immediate past INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, acknowledged that the Commission’s powers are limited by gaps within the current legal framework. He noted that while the law outlines when campaigns should begin, it does not provide sanctions for violations occurring before that timeframe. “Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 imposes mild penalties—a fine not exceeding N500,000—for campaigns conducted 24 hours before polling day. However, there is no penalty whatsoever for campaigns done before the 150-day mark.
This is the major challenge INEC faces,” Yakubu explained. The former Chairman added that until the National Assembly amends the law to address these lapses, INEC’s regulatory powers will remain constrained. Analysts have pointed to contradictions within the Electoral Act, particularly Section 92(4), which states that political parties, aspirants, and candidates cannot be prevented from holding rallies, processions, or meetings “at any time” for constitutional political purposes. They argue that this clause creates ambiguity, allowing politicians to disguise campaign activities as civic or social events, thereby exploiting legal loopholes to gain early visibility.
Former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, has joined calls for a review of Nigeria’s electoral laws to close existing gaps and ensure more effective regulation of campaign activities. He recommended that premature campaigns be clearly defined, offenders subjected to stiffer penalties, and both candidates and political parties held vicariously liable for third-party campaign activities carried out on their behalf. “All candidates and parties, especially incumbents, must be accountable for early campaigns. Anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC should investigate the sources of funding for third-party campaigners and include such expenses in campaign finance audits,” Jega proposed. He also renewed his call for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission and Tribunal, stressing that its creation was critical to the credibility of future elections. In her remarks, the Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs. Ene Obi, lamented that Nigeria’s problem lies not in the absence of laws but in the persistent failure to obey them. “We have a problem with the rule of law. People simply do not obey the law.
INEC has not yet announced the timetable for the next elections, yet campaign posters are everywhere,” Obi said. She warned that government officials may use official time and state resources for campaign activities instead of governance, stressing that such behaviour undermines democracy. “When INEC says it lacks the power to enforce the law, who then enforces it? A country without sanctions cannot move forward. We need stronger civic education and citizens who are patriotic enough to demand accountability,” she added. Also reacting, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, accused the ruling APC of already violating the electoral law through its activities. “The government is already campaigning.
That’s against the rules, and INEC should act. The Commission cannot claim it lacks the power—the provisions are clear,” Tanko argued. He maintained that his group remains cautious in its pre-election activities to avoid being accused of premature campaigning. Meanwhile, the National Assembly is considering moving Nigeria’s next general elections from February 2027 to late 2026. The proposal is contained in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to repeal the 2022 version and introduce new reforms. The draft bill, unveiled during a joint public hearing by the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, has attracted wide input from lawmakers, electoral experts, and civil society organisations. In a related development, the Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman, following his nomination by President Tinubu. Amupitan replaces Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who recently completed his tenure. During his screening, the new INEC Chair pledged to rebuild public confidence in the Commission and strengthen voter education ahead of the next election cycle. The growing trend of early campaigns has reignited concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to credible elections and respect for the rule of law.
Analysts say the situation exposes the fragility of the country’s democratic institutions, where existing laws are often undermined by political interests and weak enforcement. As the 2027 elections approach, stakeholders are calling on INEC’s new leadership and the National Assembly to close legal loopholes, strengthen sanctions, and uphold the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
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INEC under fire as 2027 Campaign Posters Flood Cities despite Electoral Ban
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under intense criticism from political observers, civil society organisations, and members of the public over its
