Adebayo Adenrele
A Civil Society Organisation under the auspices of Initiative for Transformative Policy and Inclusive Development (INTRAPID Africa) has raised alarm over the persistent violations, including premature campaigns, illegal use of state resources, unregulated political advertising and disregard for campaign finance rules across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the group said the growing normalization of unlawful electioneering activities across the country has posed a serious threat to democratic order, which contravenes the electoral act and the 1999 constitution (as amended).
According to the group, these practices weaken the principle of politics, adding that elections risk becomes contests of brute influence rather than platforms for ideas, policies, and public service when electoral rules are treated as optional.
The statement reads, “As Nigeria approaches another general election year, INTRAPID Africa expresses deep concern over the growing normalization of unlawful electioneering activities across the country. The Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) clearly define when, how, and under what conditions political campaigns may be conducted. Section 98 (1) of the Electoral Act (2026) expressly prohibits political parties from campaigning outside the officially designated campaign period.
“The section clearly states that “the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day”. Following the announcement of January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly and February 6, 2027, for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections in Nigeria, it is required by the law that the campaign is expected to commence not earlier than August 19, 2025 and September 9 for Presidential/National Assembly and Governorship/State Houses of Assembly election respectively.
“These provisions exist to protect the integrity of the electoral process, ensure fairness among contestants, and safeguard citizens’ right to make informed political choices. However, persistent violations, including premature campaigns, illegal use of state resources, unregulated political advertising, and disregard for campaign finance rules, now pose a serious challenge to democratic order.
“These practices strike at the heart of democratic accountability by rewarding impunity and weakening the principle that political power must be pursued within the bounds of law. When electoral rules are treated as optional, elections risk becoming contests of brute influence rather than platforms for ideas, policies, and public service. The consequence is a shrinking civic space in which citizens become spectators rather than active participants in governance.
“The continued erosion of legal compliance has broader implications for national stability. It undermines confidence in electoral institutions, fuels voter apathy, and heightens the risk of political tension and conflict. In a plural and fragile democracy such as Nigeria’s, where elections remain high-stakes events, the failure to enforce campaign regulations consistently and transparently endangers not only electoral credibility but also social cohesion and national unity.
“INTRAPID Africa calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission, law-enforcement agencies, political parties, candidates, and the media to uphold the letter and spirit of Nigeria’s electoral laws. Democratic progress depends not merely on elections being held, but on elections being conducted lawfully, fairly, and credibly. Respect for campaign regulations is not a cosmetic or a favour to the system. It is an obligation to the Nigerian people and to the future of democracy in our country”.
