The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to identify and penalise politicians or political parties engaging in early campaigns, or be prepared to face legal action.
In a letter dated September 13, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP said the electoral umpire could not afford to act helplessly while politicians flout the legally prescribed period for election campaigns.
The organisation maintained that early campaigns are unconstitutional and illegal, stressing that INEC has a duty to check such infractions.
“INEC should not be seen to be encouraging or giving legitimacy to political parties, candidates and other politicians carrying out early election campaigns outside the legally prescribed campaign period,” the letter read in part.
INEC had, last week, expressed worry over the spate of early electioneering activities by some political parties.
The commission argued that the trend undermines its ability to effectively track campaign finance limits, adding that no sanctions currently exist for such violations.
Reacting, SERAP insisted that INEC’s constitutional and statutory mandates extend to sanctioning or penalising electoral offences, including premature campaigns.
The group further warned that prolonged electioneering could worsen Nigeria’s fragile economy.
“Early election campaigns have adverse effects on economic development due to prolonged electioneering frenzy.
“As INEC is yet to publish the timetable and schedule of activities for elections, early election campaigns are inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act and the country’s international human rights obligations,” the organisation stated.
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