The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has given the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, seven days to act decisively against politicians and political parties engaging in early election campaigns or face legal action.
The group urged INEC to identify violators, prosecute them alongside their sponsors, and develop clear regulations to govern premature electioneering in Nigeria.
SERAP’s demand followed INEC’s recent expression of concern that early campaigns by political parties have undermined its ability to track campaign finance limits, with the commission also stating that there is currently no sanction for such campaigns.
In a letter dated September 13, 2025, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation insisted that “INEC is not helpless when political parties, candidates and other politicians contravene the legally prescribed period for election campaigns. Early election campaigns are unconstitutional and illegal.” SERAP noted that INEC’s constitutional and statutory powers extend to sanctioning electoral offences, stressing that the commission “should not be seen to be encouraging or giving legitimacy to political parties, candidates and other politicians carrying out early election campaigns outside the legally prescribed campaign period.”
The organisation argued that early campaigns negatively affect economic development due to prolonged political activities. It pointed out that since INEC has yet to publish the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections, any campaign before the 150-day period allowed by law is inconsistent with the constitution, Electoral Act, and international standards.
SERAP further alleged that “several state governors seem to be using fuel subsidy windfall for early election campaigns,” while failing to invest in social and economic development despite increased revenue. It cited data showing that in 2024, the Federation Account Allocation Committee shared N28.78 trillion among the three tiers of government, a 79 percent increase from the N16.28 trillion disbursed in 2023. Despite this, Nigeria ranked 130th out of 141 countries for infrastructure quality, while a joint report by the World Bank and the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that over 129 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty. SERAP also noted that while the minimum wage has been raised from N30,000 to N70,000, many states have yet to comply with payment.
The group said politicians and political parties commenced campaigns almost immediately after the 2023 general elections, rather than focusing on governance. It highlighted banners and posters across the country soliciting votes in violation of the constitutional provision.
Citing section 83 of the Electoral Act, SERAP urged INEC to demand compliance from political parties and direct them to end early campaigns, warning that sanctions should be imposed under section 83(4) against violators. It also advised INEC to use section 225 of the constitution to compel parties to disclose the sources of their campaign funding.
According to SERAP, early campaigns undermine the provisions of chapters 2 and 4 of the constitution on fundamental objectives, directive principles of state policy, and fundamental rights. They violate economic and social rights, the right to equality, sustainable development, and free and fair elections. The group stressed that “INEC would be deemed to have violated these rights if the commission continues to fail to prevent early election campaigns or punish those conducting them, as it would be creating conditions unfavourable to the effective realisation of these fundamental human rights.”
The organisation insisted that 150 days before the election is sufficient time for campaigns, adding that the constitution never contemplated a continuous political season. It reminded public officers of their constitutional oath of office to act in the interest of Nigerians and to preserve and defend the constitution, warning that those failing to comply should face legal consequences.
SERAP concluded that if INEC fails to take the recommended measures within seven days of receipt or publication of its letter, it would pursue all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance in the public interest.
