The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that it lacks the power to sanction politicians engaging in premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made this known on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ roundtable on early political campaigns in Abuja.
He said section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling, but the law provides no penalty for offenders.
“Quite correctly, Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaign. However, the major challenge for the commission is the law itself,” Yakubu said.
The INEC chairman added that the commission has invited lawmakers, party leaders, and civil society groups to consider possible amendments to the electoral act.