- INEC says politicians in power are abusing incumbency for early campaigning.
- Legal gaps prevent INEC from sanctioning campaign violations before the official period.
- Stakeholders’ meeting called to brainstorm reforms and solutions.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the rising trend of early election campaigns.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Commission describes the act especially by political officeholders as an abuse of incumbency that undermines fairness in the electoral process.
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Victoria Etta-Messi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, said the commission is facing a difficult situation as politicians, particularly those in power, are taking advantage of legal loopholes to kick-start campaigns for the 2027 general elections far ahead of schedule.
Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday, Etta-Messi said while many Nigerians expect INEC to act, the law does not empower the commission to penalize early campaign offenders.
“Wherever you go, it’s clear that those in government positions are using their access and influence to give themselves an edge, often at the expense of those not holding office,” she said.
She noted that section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 clearly states that campaigns must not start earlier than 150 days before elections.
However, she pointed out that the law provides no penalties for early violations, effectively tying INEC’s hands.
“We’re in a tight corner the law is silent on what INEC can do about campaigns happening before the allowed time. This is why we’ve called a meeting with key stakeholders to collectively explore a way forward,” she said.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, also acknowledged the challenge during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, stating that although early campaigns breach the Electoral Act, the commission has no legal authority to enforce any sanctions.
Etta-Messi further explained that the only section where INEC is allowed to act is section 94(2), which only permits action against campaigns conducted within 24 hours before the election a situation she described as a mere “slap on the wrist.”
“A lot of the criticism we receive is understandable, but truly, without changes to the Electoral Act, there’s little or nothing INEC can do at this stage,” she added.
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