- The commission said no party had conducted primaries or nominated candidates.
- Oyekanmi cited Sections 94 and 95 of the Electoral Act as the legal basis.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties against embarking on early campaigns for the 2027 general election.
The chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, issued the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
He was reacting to concerns about subtle campaigns and posters already surfacing across the country ahead of the polls.
Oyekanmi stated that the commission has yet to release the official timetable for the elections.
“Open campaigns are allowed only within 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. To that extent, party primaries have not been held and no political party has nominated candidates for the next general election.
“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,” he said.
The INEC spokesperson noted that while Nigerians are free to discuss politics and share opinions, soliciting votes or mounting open campaigns for the 2027 elections is inappropriate and unlawful.
He added that the reminder was also raised during the commission’s most recent quarterly consultative meeting with political parties.
Discussion about this post