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INEC Warns Against Early Campaigns Ahead of 2027 General Elections

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As Nigeria begins to stir towards its next general elections, scheduled to hold in 2027, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties against early campaigns. According to the electoral body's Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, such actions are a gross violation of the Electoral Act. Section 94(1) of the Act stipulates that campaigning in public by political parties for an election shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.

Meanwhile, major players such as Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, governors on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platforms, and their backers and supporters are strategically gearing up for the 2027 poll. However, INEC insists that it has yet to release the timetable and schedule of activities for the elections, warning that party primaries have not been held, and no political party has nominated candidates for the next general election.

Key Takeaways:

  • INEC has cautioned political parties against early campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that such actions are a gross violation of the Electoral Act.
  • Section 94(1) of the Act stipulates that campaigning in public by political parties for an election shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
  • The APC has launched a data centre and kicked off a digital membership drive, with three members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) leading the charge.
  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on INEC to reject the David Mark-led interim administration, which they describe as illegal.
  • Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated his commitment to serving only one term if elected president in 2027.
  • Obi cited several projects executed by the presidency, including the 9th Mile-Otukpo-Makurdi Road, Sokoto-Badagry Highway, and Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, as proof of the president's performance.
  • The South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in 2027, describing it as a certainty.
  • SWAGA's national chairman, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, said Tinubu has outperformed expectations and is a courageous leader who thinks about the next generation.

Statistics:

  • Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act stipulates that campaigning in public by political parties for an election shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
  • The APC has initiated a digital membership drive, with a data centre set up to manage the process.
  • The 9th Mile-Otukpo-Makurdi Road, Sokoto-Badagry Highway, and Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway are among the several projects executed by the presidency.
  • The South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in 2027.

Sources:

  • "INEC warns against early campaigns ahead of 2027 polls". Daily Post. February 1, 2024.
  • "APC launches data centre, Digital membership drive begins". Punch. February 1, 2024.
  • "Obi reiterates one-term promise, lists characteristics of desperate leaders". Tribune. February 1, 2024.
  • "SWAGA 2.0 rallies for Tinubu's re-election, predicts landslide victory". Guardian. February 1, 2024.

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