Jega Slams Politicians Over Premature Campaigns, Calls for Strict Enforcement of Electoral Act
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has once again taken a strong stance against Nigeria’s politicians for flouting the Electoral Act through premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement that has sparked nationwide debate, Jega warned that the rising trend of early campaigning is not only illegal but also threatens Nigeria’s fragile democracy. He noted that the Electoral Act 2022 is unambiguous about campaign timelines, allowing campaigns to begin only 150 days before election day and to end 24 hours before polling.
“The law is clear, yet politicians are deliberately ignoring it. Campaign posters, billboards, and rallies are already springing up months before the official timetable. This is unlawful and dangerous for the stability of the polity,” Jega said.
Early Campaigns Violate Electoral Act
Jega stressed that Sections 94 and 95 of the Electoral Act provide guidelines to ensure that political competition is fair and properly regulated. Early electioneering, he argued, gives wealthy and powerful candidates an undue advantage, shutting out credible but less-funded contenders.
According to him, when campaigns start before primaries are concluded, voters are bombarded with propaganda and are unable to focus on governance issues. Instead of holding elected officials accountable, attention is shifted to who will take over power in 2027.
“This behavior is a clear breach of the law. It is heating up the political space unnecessarily and distracting both government and citizens from the pressing issues of governance,” Jega cautioned.
Call for Sanctions and Enforcement
The former INEC boss urged the commission to collaborate with security agencies and apply sanctions on political parties and individuals found guilty of premature campaigns. He noted that INEC must assert its authority to maintain credibility and protect Nigeria’s democracy from being hijacked by moneybags and power brokers.
Political observers argue that strict enforcement is the only way to end this culture of disregard for the law. Without penalties, parties will continue to campaign illegally, putting opposition parties under pressure and creating a toxic pre-election atmosphere.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Democracy
Premature campaigns do more than break the law they destabilize the system. They lead to voter fatigue, heightened political tension, and, in many cases, violence. Citizens become exhausted by endless politicking long before the elections even begin.
Moreover, when those in office spend years preparing for the next election instead of focusing on governance, development stalls. Nigerians continue to face economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment while leaders are busy plotting their political futures.
Nigeria must put an end to this reckless disregard for electoral timelines. The 2027 general elections are too important to be overshadowed by illegal campaigning. INEC must enforce the law without fear or favor, and citizens must hold parties accountable for violating the Act.
Premature politicking undermines free and fair elections, erodes public trust, and creates an uneven playing field. Politicians must respect the law, focus on fulfilling their mandates, and allow democracy to work as intended. The media and civil society must continue to expose violators and pressure INEC to act decisively.
Only by upholding the law can Nigeria deepen its democracy and ensure that the 2027 elections are credible, competitive, and peaceful.
