The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties and candidates against what it described as “premature” campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as it officially recognised the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking at a One-Day Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Premature Political Campaigns, organised by The Electoral Institute (TEI) in Abuja, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu said the commission faces a major challenge in curbing early electioneering due to gaps in the electoral legal framework.

Citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which permits campaigns only within 150 days of an election, Yakubu explained: “There is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election. Here lies the challenge for the Commission.”

He warned that such actions undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance, as politicians, prospective candidates, and third-party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored.

In his keynote address, former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega described premature campaigns as a “serious threat” to electoral integrity. He was particularly critical of incumbent officials and third-party groups, arguing that “premature election campaigns are actually being perpetrated by premature democrats.”

Jega proposed that all candidates, political parties, and especially incumbents should be vicariously held responsible and penalised for premature campaigns carried out on their behalf.

The roundtable also featured contributions from the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, the Inspector General of Police, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC has updated its website to reflect the recognition of David Mark as chairman of the ADC, alongside other members of the new NWC.

Among those listed were former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who now serves as the party’s National Secretary; Mani Ahmad as National Treasurer; Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary; and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

The outgoing chairman, Raph Nwosu, had on 2 July announced Mark as interim chairman and Aregbesola as interim secretary, a move that generated internal disagreement among some members, who claimed the leadership transition was not properly executed.

INEC’s recognition formally concludes that process, positioning the ADC’s new leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.