A chieftain of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has explained why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot caution political actors despite widespread calls for action.
Galadima, who featured on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, noted that although the electoral body has the authority to regulate political conduct, it lacks the independence to do so because, in his words, “those who pay the piper dictate the tune.”
“In the last six months, I complained severally about INEC’s inability to call political players to order. I painfully realised that they are not in a position to call them to order because those who pay the piper dictate the tune,” he said.
The NNPP chieftain further accused the ruling government of setting the tone for premature political campaigns, which have now become widespread.
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“This issue of campaigning before being allowed by INEC was started by the government of the day. And this suggests that INEC cannot be an umpire in the political environment we have today,” he added.
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 political 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.
