The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the increasing trend of early political campaigns by politicians and their associates, which appear to violate existing electoral laws.
Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, INEC national commissioner and Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute (TEI), highlighted the issue during a stakeholder roundtable in Abuja discussing “The Challenges of Premature Political Campaigns.”
- Early campaigns are often disguised as acts of appreciation, philanthropy, or community engagement.
- Billboards, social media promotions, cultural festivals, and religious gatherings are increasingly used to boost visibility ahead of the official campaign period.
- Such practices raise the cost of elections, disrupt fairness, and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
Prof. Zuru emphasized the need for a refined regulatory framework to clearly define what constitutes early campaigning, particularly in the digital age.
Meanwhile, INEC has officially recognised the new leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, now serves as the National Chairman, while former Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, assumes the role of National Secretary.
This update resolves months of internal disputes within the party, with the commission reflecting the change on the official ADC website.
INEC continues to urge political actors to respect the campaign timeline and maintain focus on governance to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
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