Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute politicians already engaging in premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Falana, who spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, described the development as “abnormal” and warned that violators must be made to face trial in order to test the strength of the law.
“The law cannot cover all situations. The lawmakers thought they were dealing with a civilized political class. No. Now that they are violating the law, it becomes a duty, empowered by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, to bring out rules and regulations,” he said.
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The Senior Advocate insisted that INEC has the constitutional power to act decisively against offenders.
“INEC is required to charge some of these guys before the court. Let them come to court and say, ‘Sorry, my Lord, there is no provision for punishment,’ he stressed.
Falana further noted that disobedience to any court order arising from such cases would amount to contempt, which carries a jail term.
Pinnacle Daily recalls that on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu admitted at a stakeholders’ roundtable in Abuja that the commission has no legal power to sanction politicians or parties engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
He explained that while the Electoral Act 2022 allows fines for campaigns within 24 hours of polling, it does not cover activities before the official 150-day window.
Despite repeated warnings, parties have ignored INEC’s stance, with the APC already endorsing President Bola Tinubu as its sole candidate for 2027.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
