Femi Falana SAN, Chair of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), has called for an immediate suspension of political campaigns in Nigeria, urging elected officials to prioritize governance over early electioneering. He expressed concern that some parties have already begun campaigns nearly ten months ahead of the scheduled elections.
Falana highlighted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set the presidential and national assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections for February 6, 2027. He warned that premature campaigning is diverting attention from essential governance responsibilities.
The rights lawyer noted that early campaigns have worsened insecurity, including kidnappings and killings, weakened accountability, and exacerbated poverty. He also pointed out that huge public funds are being misused for illegal political activities, while some state governments have failed to contribute to federal matching grants for education.
Falana reminded political actors of Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which restricts public campaigning to 150 days before elections and mandates a 24-hour campaign silence before polling. He called on INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the State Security Service (SSS) to enforce the law.
Stressing the importance of governance, Falana urged political actors to cease premature campaign activities, emphasizing that the administration of the country must take precedence over early political celebrations.