By Rukevwe Odeh

The political atmosphere ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election is already gathering momentum despite the official campaign period not yet commencing, raising fresh concerns about compliance with the Electoral Act.

Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 19 as the official date for presidential and National Assembly campaigns to begin, several political parties have intensified consultations, endorsements, stakeholder meetings and public engagements widely viewed as early campaign activities.

Across the country, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have stepped up mobilisation efforts aimed at strengthening support ahead of the polls.

Many of these activities are being presented as consultations, thank-you visits, policy discussions and stakeholder engagements rather than official campaigns. However, political observers argue that they effectively serve the same purpose by promoting candidates and building voter support long before the legally approved campaign period.

INEC acknowledged the increase in political activities but maintained that it lacks the legal authority to stop such engagements. According to the commission, while it can issue the election timetable in line with the Electoral Act, enforcing restrictions on what may be considered premature campaigning falls outside its statutory powers.

The commission’s position has sparked criticism from political analysts and civil society groups, who argue that allowing prolonged unofficial campaigns creates an uneven playing field, especially for smaller political parties with limited financial resources. They also warn that extended campaigns could significantly increase election spending and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi described the development as a reflection of declining institutional accountability, questioning why no agency appears capable of enforcing the provisions of the Electoral Act. He expressed concern that selective enforcement of electoral regulations could undermine confidence in the country’s democratic process.

Former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu also voiced concern, alleging that the ruling party’s early mobilisation could place opposition parties at a disadvantage before official campaigning begins.

Legal experts believe the controversy exposes a gap in Nigeria’s Electoral Act. While the law specifies when campaigns should commence, it does not clearly distinguish between political consultations and campaign activities or provide INEC with sufficient enforcement powers over actions that fall into that grey area.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, stakeholders are urging lawmakers and electoral authorities to address these legal ambiguities to ensure fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all political parties.