Politics

We can’t do anything about early campaigns for 2027 – INEC

Published

6 months ago

September 11, 2025

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu

We can’t do anything about early campaigns for 2027 – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued fresh caution to political actors against early commencement of campaign ahead of the 2027 general election, but admitted that it is constrained by law from sanctioning politicians involved in the illegal act.

The commission’s Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who expressed concerns particularly decried the commencement of campaign ahead of off-season governorship elections, FCT Area Council elections and the 2027 general elections.

“Quite correctly, Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaign. However, the major challenge for the commission is the law itself,” Yakubu said.

The INEC boss said while section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling, the law provides no sanction for such breaches, hence political actors have ceaselessly violated it..

He specifically frowned at the incidences of aspirants using cultural festivals and religious gatherings to drop hints about their ambitions, explaining that they often disguised as appreciation or philanthropy.

In his remarks at the stakeholders roundtable on premature political campaign in Abuja yesterday, Yakubu said: “The idea of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibiting the commencement of campaign earlier than 150 days is to prioritise governance over electioneering from one electoral cycle to another.

“However, political parties, candidates and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mood even when the electoral commission is yet to release the timetable and schedule of activities for elections or ahead of the timeframe provided by law.

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“Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates.

“These actions and activities undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits as politicians, prospective candidates and third-party agents expend large amount of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns.”

While revealing why its hands are tied, the commission’s boss said: “Quite correctly, Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaign.

“However, the major challenge for the commission is the law itself. Sections 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 imposes sanctions, albeit mild (a maximum amount of N500,000 on conviction), on any political party or a person acting on its behalf who engaged in campaigns 24 hours before polling day.

“However, there is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election. Here lies the challenge for the commission in dealing with early campaigns by political parties, prospective candidates and their supporters.

“In a sense, the problem of early campaigns in Nigeria is not new. The seeming inability of the commission and other regulatory agencies to deal with the menace within the ambit of the existing electoral legal framework calls for deep reflection.

“It is in this context that the commission considered it appropriate to convene this meeting in which legislators, leaders of political parties, civil society organisations, experts, practitioners and regulators will brainstorm on the way forward,” he said.

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INEC national commissioner and Chairman Board of the Electoral Institute (BEI), Abdullahi Abdul Zuru, said early campaigns are one of the most worrying challenges of Nigeria’s democracy.

He said aspirants often use cultural festivals, religious events, billboards, branded vehicles and even social media influencers as fronts for premature campaigns.

“When aspirants or parties compete to dominate visibility long before the official campaign period, it distorts fairness and raises the cost of political competition,” Zuru said.

He added that the trend distracts elected officials from governance, erodes public confidence in the electoral system, and fuels cynicism about the rule of law.

“We must refine the regulatory framework so that what constitutes premature or early campaigning is more clearly defined in today’s digital age,” he added.

In his presentation titled: “Towards addressing the challenges of premature election campaigns in Nigeria, former INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, said premature campaigning has regrettably remained inadequately regulated and become increasingly widespread.

“Although the Nigerian electoral legal framework contains some provisions regulating election campaigns, as it provides for the period of commencement and end of campaigns, regrettably, premature campaigning has remained inadequately regulated and has become increasingly widespread.

“It has been characterized mainly by the display of posters featuring politicians, across political parties, but especially of incumbents, at both federal and state levels, literally ‘jumping the gun’, some two years before the official election/campaign period.

“Many, if not most of these, are what can be termed as ‘third-party’ campaigns, ostensibly carried out by candidates’ support groups, with dubious financing, most likely in crass violation of campaign financing legislations.

“Premature campaigns consist of, not only erection of billboards with candidates portraits and messages soliciting votes and/or endorsements; but they also include, using public media and resources to advertise records of ‘achievements’ of incumbents, or use of official positions and commissioning of projects for electioneering purposes,” he argued.

We can’t do anything about early campaigns for 2027 – INEC

Politics

Atiku’s Son Resigns as Adamawa Commissioner Following Fintiri’s APC Defection

Published

32 minutes ago

March 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and son, Adamu

Atiku’s Son Resigns as Adamawa Commissioner Following Fintiri’s APC Defection

Yola, Adamawa State — Adamu Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally resigned from his role as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development in Adamawa State. The resignation comes in the wake of recent political shifts in the state, including the defection of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and several cabinet members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a resignation letter dated March 2, 2026, addressed to Governor Fintiri, Adamu cited “deep personal reflection and careful consideration” as the reason for stepping down. He described his tenure as an honour and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, highlighting the privilege of contributing to the state’s infrastructural development.

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Adamu also thanked the people of Adamawa State for their support throughout his time in office and acknowledged the trust placed in him by the governor, stating that the enabling environment allowed him to discharge his duties with commitment and diligence. He concluded the letter with prayers for the governor, asking Allah to grant him continued strength and guidance in serving the state.

Observers note that Adamu’s resignation is particularly significant because he chose not to follow Governor Fintiri and other commissioners in defecting to the APC on February 27, 2026. His absence from the group of 22 commissioners who announced the defection highlighted a deliberate decision to chart his own course in the current political landscape.

Political analysts suggest that Adamu’s move may reflect personal conviction or a strategic step towards future political ambitions. During his tenure, he oversaw key initiatives in infrastructure and energy development, although his departure leaves questions about continuity and the future leadership of the ministry.

Governor Fintiri has yet to announce a replacement for Adamu, though insiders indicate that a shortlist of potential successors is being considered. Analysts believe the resignation adds a new layer to Adamawa State politics, particularly as the state navigates party realignments and positions itself ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Atiku’s Son Resigns as Adamawa Commissioner Following Fintiri’s APC Defection

Politics

Wike Blasts Kingibe Over FCT Council Election Remarks

Published

19 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Senator Ireti Kingibe

Wike Blasts Kingibe Over FCT Council Election Remarks

The Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised Senator Ireti Kingibe over her comments on the recent FCT local government council elections, insisting that elections are a process, not a one-day event.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike emphasised that voters, not surveys or last-minute claims, determine election results. He explained that preparations for elections begin well before voting day, from candidate nomination and party primaries to campaigns and voter engagement, noting that a survey conducted on February 21 should not be used as a definitive reflection of outcomes.

“It’s a process that starts from the nomination of candidates. It’s a process that goes through a campaign before it gets to an election. So election is not just that particular date of voting,” Wike said.

He compared the electoral process to exam preparation, warning that those who fail to prepare often make excuses.

“You know the exam will come in two or three months. Nobody waits for the last minute to prepare. You must attend classes and read,” Wike explained.
“That is why students who are not prepared call for strikes to avoid the exam,” he added.

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Wike also referenced claims by Kingibe, who reportedly vowed to use the February 21 council elections to “teach me a lesson”. He dismissed this as politically motivated, noting that some parties had earlier suggested that the council election could influence the 2027 general election.

The minister rejected allegations that he declared a curfew, saying the decision he referenced was approved by President and granted residents a work-free day to travel safely to their areas of origin.

“By the approval of Mr. President, people were given a work-free day so they could travel and not return late. I never declared any curfew,” Wike said.

He added that, as a minister representing the President, his decisions are guided by security intelligence reports unavailable to the public.

The exchange highlights growing political tensions in the FCT, where electoral credibility and governance remain contentious ahead of upcoming elections.

Wike Blasts Kingibe Over FCT Council Election Remarks

Politics

ADC South‑South Leaders Clash on Alleged Amaechi Consensus Support

Published

2 days ago

March 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi

ADC South‑South Leaders Clash on Alleged Amaechi Consensus Support

Benin City / Abuja — March 1, 2026

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently experiencing internal divisions after conflicting reports emerged regarding the alleged endorsement of former Rotimi Amaechi as the South‑South consensus candidate for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Initial reports suggested that Amaechi had received unanimous backing from senior ADC leaders across the South‑South geopolitical zone during a February 27 meeting in Benin City. Attendees reportedly included party executives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states, with the session chaired by former John Odigie‑Oyegun, a prominent national party leader. Sources claimed Amaechi outlined his presidential ambitions and was met with a show of regional support.

However, other senior party officials quickly disputed these claims, insisting that no formal endorsement was made. The South‑South ADC Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, clarified that the meeting’s main objectives were to strengthen party cohesion, mobilize grassroots support, and prepare strategically for future elections. She emphasized that Amaechi’s presentation of his presidential intent was a courtesy briefing to regional leaders, and no motion, vote, or resolution endorsing any aspirant occurred at the gathering.

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Supporting Oboh’s position, the party’s National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, stated that consultation does not equate to endorsement, stressing that candidate selection resides with the ADC’s constitutional organs and membership, not solely with zonal executives. Similarly, ADC chieftain Prof. Pat Utomi described the reports of Amaechi’s endorsement as “inaccurate and misleading”, noting that presenting ambitions to party leaders is a standard practice but does not confer automatic backing.

Despite these clarifications, National Vice Chairman (South‑South), Usani Uguru Usani, insisted that regional leaders had shown support for Amaechi through a voice affirmation, while noting that such backing was voluntary and non-binding on individual party members.

The situation illustrates a widening divide within ADC’s South‑South ranks over early positioning in the 2027 presidential race. Amaechi is among several aspirants seeking the party’s ticket, alongside notable figures such as former Atiku Abubakar and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, heightening competition and scrutiny of internal party democracy.

Political analysts say the controversy underscores broader challenges in party cohesion, process legitimacy, and regional influence in Nigeria’s opposition politics. How the ADC resolves these conflicting narratives may have significant implications for its 2027 electoral strategy and national alliances.