Tinubu’s APC launches early 2027 campaigns despite INEC ban

DDM News

(DDM) – The All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has begun subtle but visible campaign activities across Nigeria, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yet to release the official timetable for the 2027 general elections.

Billboards, posters, and indirect endorsements have started appearing in various parts of the country, signaling a premature political push by the ruling party.

The development was brought to public attention on social media by Hon. Comrade Gbagba Abdulrasheed Ibraheemalfa, who condemned the move as a flagrant violation of Nigeria’s electoral laws.

According to INEC’s electoral guidelines, such activities are unlawful at this stage and punishable under the law.

Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 clearly states that campaigns in public by political parties can only commence 150 days before the scheduled election date and must end 24 hours before election day.

This means that any political campaign, whether direct or indirect, carried out more than two years ahead of the polls violates the electoral law.

Critics have described the APC’s move as a blatant show of desperation and a dangerous disregard for the law, especially since the actions are reportedly being driven from the highest level of government.

Political observers note that it is unprecedented for a ruling party to openly flout electoral regulations in such a manner without fear of repercussions.

Some opposition figures have questioned whether INEC has the political will to sanction the APC, given its current position as the ruling party with presidential backing.

Analysts say early campaigns can give an unfair advantage to the incumbent government, allowing it to leverage state resources for political purposes long before the official campaign period begins.

They also warn that such actions could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process, where the rule of law is often undermined by political interests.

With the APC’s early campaign machinery already visible on streets, highways, and social media, concerns are growing over the silence of electoral authorities and civil society groups.

DDM gathered that in previous election cycles, INEC had issued warnings to political parties for early campaigning, but enforcement has historically been weak.

For now, the APC appears unbothered by potential legal consequences, continuing its publicity blitz as if in full campaign mode.

The development raises a critical question, if the presidency itself is associated with this premature political activity, who will have the authority and courage to call the party to order?

Many Nigerians are now watching to see whether INEC will take action or allow this as yet another example of selective enforcement of the law in the country’s political space.

Written by Hon. Comrade Gbagba Abdulrasheed Ibraheemalfa

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