Politicians and their supporters have continued to flout warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by engaging in subtle campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite INEC’s clear directives, the political space is already heating up, with aspirants and their supporters making calculated moves to promote their ambitions under the guise of public engagements and political commentary.
The political atmosphere is increasingly getting charged, even with two years to go before the next round of national polls.
Many politicians have begun making statements that hint at their intentions, while also actively seeking and receiving endorsements for various elective positions.
Particularly at the national level, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted President Bola Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following endorsements from the party’s highest decision-making body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), as well as its zonal caucuses.
At its NEC meeting on February 26, 2025, the APC formally endorsed President Tinubu for a second term.
On that day, the atmosphere in the makeshift NEC hall was charged, with chants of “No vacancy at Aso Rock” echoing through the air as the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma moved the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement. His motion was seconded by former Edo State Governor and serving Senator, Adams Oshiomhole.
Three months later, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) also declared President Tinubu the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 general election.
The declaration was made during the APC National Summit, which was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on May 22, 2025.
Also at the summit, the APC Governors’ Forum and the party’s lawmakers in the National Assembly formally endorsed President Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on behalf of the APC NWC, then APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said: “As the only body with the power to field any candidate, I hereby affirm the various endorsements and declare President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate of the APC.”
In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo kick-started President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign in the state earlier this year.
He made this known while receiving a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, who officially defected to the APC
“The next general election, especially the 2027 presidential election, we are ready in Edo State. We have kick-started our campaigns for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Okpebholo declared. “We have to mobilise youths in our state, and you are part of the youth. I promise you that you will enjoy our party, now that you’ve chosen to join us.”
Equally, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also confirmed his intention to run again in the 2027 presidential election, this time with a bold pledge to serve only a single four-year term if elected.
Obi made the declaration during a live session on X Spaces, where he fielded questions from supporters both at home and in the Diaspora. The former Anambra State governor framed his promise as a commitment to deliver focused, impactful leadership without the distractions of a re-election bid.
He also dismissed growing speculation about a possible joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, making it clear that he intends to chart his own course.
During the session, Obi rolled out key elements of his agenda, outlining a vision focused on economic reform, institutional accountability, and youth empowerment, promising a results-driven leadership model that will transform Nigeria if given the mandate in 2027.
Obi, Amaechi’s 2027 promise
“Leaders of Nigeria must sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria. My family will not be involved in corruption. Public funds will be channelled into key critical sectors. I will prioritise security, education, and lifting people out of poverty. And to achieve this, we must cut the cost of governance and fight corruption from day one,” Obi said.
Similarly, former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has declared his intention to run for president in 2027, expressing confidence that he can defeat President Bola Tinubu at the polls, provided he secures the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Amaechi, speaking during a recent conversation on X Spaces, appealed to the ADC to hand him its presidential ticket, arguing that his deep understanding of President Tinubu and the ruling APC would give the party a strategic edge.
“I know Tinubu very well. I know his strengths. I know his weaknesses. And I know that if allowed to fly the flag of the ADC, I will defeat Tinubu for sure,” he declared.
A circulating video clip recently stirred speculation about the possible 2027 presidential ambition of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Many commentators interpreted the footage as a subtle signal of his intent to contest again. However, his media aide, Paul Ibe, promptly debunked the claims, clarifying that the video was recorded in 2022, ahead of the PDP presidential primary.
Meanwhile, in the North Central zone, a coalition of youth leaders has thrown its weight behind businessman and political figure, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, endorsing him as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
They made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, organised by the Youth for the Actualisation of North Central President (YANCP), a political movement advocating for leadership from the North Central zone in 2027.
What the law says
The subtle campaigns contravene Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which states that political parties shall not commence electioneering in public earlier than 150 days before polling day and not later than 24 hours prior to that day.
The chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that it was both inappropriate and unlawful for any political party to begin campaigning for the 2027 general election at this time, as it contravenes the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“There is no specific provision of the Electoral Act 2022 that prohibits the endorsement of candidates by individuals and groups for election.
“However, under Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties shall not commence campaign in public earlier than 150 days before polling day and not later than 24 hours prior to that day.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election specifying the period for campaign in public by political parties. Therefore, it will be out of place and against the law for any political party to embark on campaign for the 2027 General Election at the moment,” he said.
CSOs, Lawyers Kick, Call For Sanctions
Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and prominent legal minds have condemned the wave of early political campaigns, describing them as illegal and urging INEC to strictly enforce existing electoral laws.
Senior programme officer at the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Gimba Hassan, issued a strong warning about the rising trend of premature political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling it a dangerous precedent that undermines the integrity of the democratic process.
He described this development as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity and a blatant violation of electoral laws.
Hassan expressed deep concern at the surge in unauthorised political activities, including the erection of branded billboards, distribution of political gifts, and carefully packaged “thank-you tours” and “stakeholder consultations.”
He expressed reservations that these activities are occurring despite INEC not yet releasing an official timetable for the 2027 elections.
“Nigeria’s democratic health is at stake when political actors ignore explicit electoral regulations,” he said, warning that continued disregard of INEC’s regulations undermined the credibility and authority of the electoral body.
He further frowned at the creation of an uneven political playing field, noting that wealthier political actors are dominating public spaces with early campaign materials, thereby putting smaller parties and new entrants at a disadvantage.
He also raised concerns that the premature focus on the 2027 elections is distracting attention from urgent governance issues, including economic hardship, insecurity, and rising unemployment.
Hassan urged INEC to enforce campaign regulations more stringently, in collaboration with security agencies and the National Broadcasting Commission.
Unauthorised billboards and campaign-like activities, he said, must attract appropriate sanctions.
He issued the following calls to action: “To the Presidency: Set the tone for political discipline. While President Bola Tinubu has publicly disavowed early campaigning, CISLAC urges more consistent action and stronger messaging to discourage violations.
“To civil society and the media: Increase vigilance, document electoral breaches, and hold political actors accountable to protect democratic integrity.”
According to him, “The wisdom of Nigeria’s democracy lies not in how early we start campaigning, but in how faithfully we uphold our laws.”
Executive director of the CREAP Africa Initiative, Sylvanus Udoenoh, described the early, albeit disguised, campaigns as a blatant violation of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which clearly outlines the legal timelines for political campaigning.
He accused the ruling APC of culpability, pointing to its open endorsements and strategic mobilisations in the name of membership registration to public rallies cleverly framed as “consultations” or “town hall meetings”, with videos already trending on media spaces.
“As Nigeria inches towards the 2027 general elections, we note with concern the growing wave of subtle yet coordinated political activities that amount to premature campaigning.
“These actions, obviously in disguise, represent a flagrant disregard for Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which clearly stipulates the timelines for political campaigns. Few days ago, INEC, the electoral umpire, warned against premature campaign. The legal provisions in the Electoral Act 2022 exists not only to ensure a level playing field for all contestants but also to protect the political space from undue manipulation, voter fatigue, and the misuse of state resources.”
According to him, early campaigns erode public trust in democratic institutions, divert attention from governance, and entrench the “dangerous idea” that political power is an end in itself rather than a tool for public service.
‘‘Worse still, they create unfair advantages, especially where the ruling party has a greater financial muscle and access to public platforms than opposition, thereby deepening political inequality,” Udoenoh said.
He called on INEC and relevant enforcement agencies to strictly monitor and sanction political parties and candidates engaging in premature campaigns.
“INEC should protect the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring compliance with the law at all stages. We cannot exert energies and resources to make laws only to throw them away and indulge in unstructured and illegal actions as a country.
“Democracy thrives when rules are respected and political competition is fair. Nigeria’s leaders, parties, and institutions must rise above lawlessness and commit to a culture of ethical politics, lawful conduct, and issues-based engagement,” Udoenoh added.
Also speaking, executive director of the Women’s Inclusion, Empowerment and Leadership Development Initiative (WIELD-I), Evangel Okeke, described premature politicking as “very ridiculous” and urged political parties to respect due process.“I want to state emphatically that this is not done in any civilised country. Our politicians must do better and comply fully with INEC’s guidelines. This is not the time for campaigns,” she stressed.
Okeke further pointed out that the nation faces more pressing challenges, such as banditry and insurgency in parts of Northern Nigeria and the aftermath of recent natural disasters, which require unified national attention.
“Until our leaders are willing to do what is right, the country will continue to suffer the consequences of broken promises and weak governance,” she said.
Okeke added that INEC, as an independent body, is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring strict adherence to election rules and regulations.
“They play a major role, so whatever laws they put out there need to be respected, irrespective of party or influence,” she added.
For his part, the executive director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, described the premature campaigns by political parties for the 2027 general elections as not only illegal but also detrimental to governance. He called for strict punishment for defaulters.
Speaking on ARISE News’ “Prime Time,” Itodo said the law stipulates that premature campaign activities are not allowed.
“The law is clear that you should not engage in campaigns, not earlier than 150 days. You just look at the entire country; it just feels like we’ve got elections this weekend. And so people have abandoned governance and focused more on politicking and electioneering.
“INEC has not issued the timetable for the 2027 elections. Party primaries have not been conducted. Why is it that these actors are involved in what?”
“It’s just across the board, and it’s just sad. It just tells you the level of impunity that you’ve got; the political elite are not playing the game of politics by its rules,” he stated.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, corroborates Itodo’s stance that the ongoing campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election are illegal and diversionary.
The learned silk who spoke on Channels Television Programme, ‘Politics Today’ monitored by our correspondent, called on INEC to draw the attention of politicians, including the government to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“As far as the Electoral Act, 2022 is concerned, the ongoing election campaign is illegal; totally illegal. It’s also diversionary. Because what Nigerians expect now, what the law provides, is governance of the country without disruption.
“So it’s not time yet to campaign. And I do hope that INEC would draw the attention of politicians, including the government, including those who constitute the government. There is no room yet for campaigning in Nigeria.
“Two years ahead of election; it’s not part of our law. If the people in power want to amend the law, that should be done. I will say that. And the media must help Nigeria, particularly when it’s time to campaign. We must take politicians out of the cocoon of ethnicity, religion and other primordial considerations,” he stated.
Legal experts and civil society voices are therefore calling on INEC to take urgent action and rein in political parties engaging in subtle campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election – activities many have described as illegal and premature.
According to them, political parties and their candidates must respect the rule of law and refrain from campaigning more than a year ahead of the polls. They argue that such actions violate the Electoral Act and undermine the spirit of good governance.
“Parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), should focus on delivering the dividends of democracy, not angling for re-election,” one stakeholder said.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Abdul Balogun condemned the ongoing political campaigns, calling it a “flagrant disobedience to the laws guiding our elections.”
He also called for sanctions on parties and politicians who jump the gun.
“What we should focus on now is how to better the lives of the many Nigerians living in abject poverty, not campaigning for the 2027 elections,” he said.
“We can’t be talking about re-election when promises made during the 2023 campaigns remain unfulfilled. Many Nigerians feel deceived, as their hopes and aspirations have not been met. So how can politicians already be speaking of 2027,” he asked.
Constitutional lawyer, Barrister James U. Ogeh, echoed these sentiments, warning that politicians appear more interested in retaining power than addressing the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions.
“Nigerians are crying and dying of hunger, yet our politicians are more concerned with grabbing power and controlling state resources.
“INEC must intervene and restore order. The focus must shift back to governance and improving the lives of ordinary citizens,” he said.
Another lawyer, Barrister Oghenovo O. Otemu, agreed that what Nigeria needs right now is meaningful development, not political grandstanding disguised as early campaigns.
“The laws guiding electioneering are clear and must be enforced. INEC cannot sit idly by while political parties flout electoral regulations. Decisive action must be taken, especially against the major political parties who are clearly violating the law,” he said.
The legal experts agree that INEC must assert its authority to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, insisting that unchecked early campaigns erode democratic values and betray the public’s trust.
