A wave of criticism has trailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the emergence of campaign posters and billboards for the 2027 general elections across Nigeria, in apparent violation of existing electoral laws.
The development, which began with the appearance of massive “Tinubu 2027” billboards in Abuja and other major cities, has triggered a heated debate over INEC’s ability to enforce electoral regulations and maintain control over political parties ahead of the polls.
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory recently woke up to striking images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu displayed on billboards bearing slogans such as “Grassroots Support for Tinubu 2027” and “Tinubu Continuity 2027.” The displays, viewed as premature campaign materials, have raised concerns about the disregard for electoral timelines and accountability mechanisms in Nigeria’s political system.
Political analysts and civil society groups have accused INEC of showing weakness in curbing the excesses of politicians and parties, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They argue that the Commission’s limited legal powers have allowed violators to act with impunity.
At a recent roundtable on electoral reforms, former INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu admitted that loopholes in the Electoral Act have created difficulties for the Commission in penalizing offenders. He explained that while Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides mild penalties for campaigns within 24 hours of election day, it does not prescribe any punishment for those who begin campaigns before the official 150-day window.
Former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, also weighed in, urging lawmakers to urgently reform electoral laws to close existing loopholes. He recommended stricter sanctions for early campaigns and called for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to enforce compliance and ensure accountability.
Civil society leaders, including Mrs. Ene Obi of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, described the situation as a “total breakdown of the rule of law.” She noted that third-party campaigners often act in the name of politicians to gain favour or create confusion, making enforcement even more difficult.
“The government and its agencies are not asking the right questions,” Obi said. “INEC must clarify what constitutes premature campaigning and ensure there are consequences for violations.”
Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, accused the ruling party of openly disregarding the law. “The government is already campaigning in violation of the Electoral Act,” he said. “There must be firm penalties to restore public trust in the system.”
Meanwhile, the National Assembly is considering amendments to the Electoral Act that could move the 2027 general elections to late 2026, a proposal that has already stirred debate among political stakeholders.
Despite these controversies, INEC’s newly confirmed Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, has pledged to restore voter confidence and strengthen compliance with electoral laws as the Commission prepares for another crucial election cycle.
