The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties against engaging in early public campaigns for the 2027 general elections, describing such actions as a violation of the Electoral Act.

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, issued the caution in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He was responding to reports of subtle campaign activities and posters already emerging across the country ahead of the next general elections.

Oyekanmi clarified that INEC has not yet released a timetable or schedule of activities for the 2027 polls.

“Open campaigns are only permitted from 150 days before polling day and must end 24 hours prior,” he stated.

He cited Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates that public campaigns by political parties must commence 150 days before the election and conclude 24 hours ahead of voting.

“Furthermore, Section 95(1) of the Act clearly states that candidates and their parties must campaign in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by INEC,” he added.

While acknowledging that citizens are free to engage in political discussions and express their views on the upcoming election, Oyekanmi stressed that public canvassing for votes or open campaigning at this stage was inappropriate and a breach of the law.

He noted that INEC had raised this concern during its last quarterly consultative meeting with political parties and expects full compliance with the legal framework.