The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the growing number of campaign-style billboards and posters appearing across major cities, saying they violate the Electoral Act.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of The Electoral Institute (TEI), Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ roundtable on the problem of premature political campaigns.
He explained that many politicians are disguising early campaigns as acts of “appreciation” or “philanthropy,” using billboards, social media promotions, and public events to promote themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In recent weeks, posters promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term have been spotted in Abuja, Lagos, Dutse, and other cities. Similar campaign materials for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have also appeared in some northern states.
According to report obtained by The News Chronicle, INEC reminded politicians that, according to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns are not allowed to start earlier than 150 days before election day and must end 24 hours before voting begins.
