Early Campaign Posters Spark Outrage as INEC Struggles to Enforce Electoral Laws

Political analysts and concerned Nigerians have faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for to curb the growing wave of premature campaign activities across the country, despite clear restrictions in the Electoral Act.

The backlash follows the sudden appearance of large billboards in Abuja and other cities carrying President Bola Tinubu’s image alongside campaign messages such as “Grassroots Support for Tinubu 2027” and “Tinubu Continuity 2027.”

These posters, which surfaced three years before the next general elections, have sparked nationwide debate about INEC’s ability to enforce electoral laws.Critics argue that many political parties, especially the ruling one, continue to disregard the laws governing campaign timelines, while government agencies responsible for monitoring political advertising have failed to act.

Questions have also been raised about how such billboards were approved or allowed to remain on display.Although the Presidency denied sponsoring the campaign materials and ordered that they be taken down, reports indicate that they still occupy major public spaces.

Similar campaign messages have flooded social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where songs, videos, and hashtags promoting political figures have been trending.

Political observers believe some of the posters and online campaigns might have been sponsored by supporters or third parties without official approval, either to gain attention or to set up opponents for violation claims.INEC has admitted that certain loopholes in the law limit its power to sanction offenders.

Section 94 of the Electoral Act 2022 restricts campaign activities to 150 days before the polling date but does not provide clear penalties for violations that occur before that period. Former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu described this as a major challenge for the Commission, as it leaves room for manipulation.

Experts have also pointed to Section 92(4) of the same Act, which allows political parties to hold meetings and rallies at any time, creating confusion about what qualifies as premature campaigning.

Former INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega has called for stronger legal measures, recommending that premature campaign offences be clearly defined, with strict penalties for violators.

He further urged that both candidates and their political parties be held accountable for early campaigns initiated by their supporters or third parties. Jega also proposed the creation of an Election Offences Commission and Tribunal to manage such violations before the 2027 polls.Civic groups and activists have also weighed in.

Ene Obi, Convener of the Situation Room and former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, said that weak enforcement and lack of sanctions have encouraged disregard for the law. She expressed concern that political figures may use official time and resources for campaign activities instead of governance.

Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, accused the ruling party of already breaching the law through early campaigns and urged INEC to apply existing rules more strictly.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly is considering moving the next general elections to late 2026, six months earlier than scheduled, as part of proposed amendments in the new Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025.

In a related development, Professor Joash Amupitan has been confirmed as the new INEC Chairman, replacing Professor Mahmood Yakubu after the completion of his tenure. Amupitan has pledged to rebuild public confidence in the electoral system and ensure transparency in future elections.