Prof. Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged Nigerian authorities to implement stricter penalties and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to tackle the growing trend of premature election campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at an INEC Roundtable on “The Challenges of Premature Campaigns” held in Abuja on Wednesday, Jega highlighted the urgent need for reform within the electoral legal framework.
He called for clearer definitions of campaign-related offences and the imposition of firm punitive measures to deter violations.
Jega expressed concern over the increasing involvement of third-party groups often acting on behalf of political candidates and parties in campaign activities that breach the legal timeline.
According to Jega, these groups often engage in unauthorised political advertising, campaign billboards, and media promotions well before the legal campaign window opens.
He stated, “All candidates and their parties, and especially incumbent office holders and their political parties, should be vicariously held responsible and penalised for premature campaigns for them by third-parties.
“All election campaign offences, especially premature campaign offences, should be carefully defined, stiff penalties specified, and strictly applied where applicable.”
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Jega also urged anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to intensify scrutiny of the funding behind these third-party campaigners.
He noted that many such groups are suspected of operating with illicit financing, in violation of campaign finance laws.
“EFCC and ICPC should pay special attention to third-party campaigners and thoroughly interrogate their sources of funding,” Jega urged.
Beyond enforcement, Jega emphasised the need to consider third-party spending when calculating whether candidates have exceeded legally allowed expenditure limits.
“In determining whether candidates’ and parties’ expenditures fall within approved limits, the estimated/determined expenditure by a third-party campaigner for the candidate/party should be taken into consideration,” he said.
In light of persistent violations, Jega also reiterated the need for structural reform through the establishment of a specialised Election Offences Commission and Tribunal to investigate and prosecute electoral offences.
“The recommendation for the establishment of the Elections Offences Commission and Tribunal has become even more urgent and important for consideration, and should be addressed in the next/current round of electoral reforms before the 2027 elections,” he said.
Jega criticised the widespread disregard for Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act (2022), which restricts the start of campaigns to 150 days before polling day and mandates their cessation 24 hours before the election.
The former INEC chairman warned that such early campaigning not only undermines legal provisions but also distorts the political playing field, entrenches impunity, and contributes to political instability.
“Premature election campaigns are undesirable aberrations in democratic elections, posing serious challenges to the integrity of elections,” he said.
He further noted that the use of public resources by elected officials for self-promotion under the guise of project commissioning or public service achievements creates unfair advantages and fosters a cycle of illegality.
According to Jega, unchecked early campaigning stokes political tensions, fuels ethno-religious divisions, and threatens democratic stability.
He concluded by urging policymakers and electoral stakeholders to prioritise reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes ahead of the 2027 elections.
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