The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and their supporters against engaging in premature open campaigns for the 2027 General Election, describing such activities as a clear violation of the Electoral Act.

The warning was issued by Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He was responding to rising concerns over the proliferation of political posters and subtle campaign activities across the country, despite the absence of an official election timetable.

“INEC has not released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections. To that extent, party primaries have not been conducted, and no political party has formally nominated candidates,” Oyekanmi said.

Quoting Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, he emphasized that “the period of campaigning in public by political parties for an election shall begin 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.” He also referenced Section 95(1) of the Act, which mandates that campaign activities must conform to rules and regulations as determined by INEC.

While acknowledging citizens’ rights to discuss and express opinions on political matters, Oyekanmi stressed that “any open campaign or canvassing for votes for the 2027 general election is not only inappropriate at this time but constitutes a violation of the Electoral Act.”

He noted that INEC had already raised the issue at its last quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, reiterating the commission’s expectation of full adherence to legal provisions.

The caution comes amid growing political activity in several states, with early campaign materials surfacing ahead of the official commencement of the election process.

INEC reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and urged all political actors to await the formal release of the election timetable before initiating any campaign activities.