Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called for the suspension of ongoing political campaigns across the country, warning that early politicking is undermining governance.
Gatekeepers News reports that Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday, expressing concern that many politicians and parties have shifted focus from governance to campaign activities despite the elections being months away.
He said the increasing attention on campaigns — including the celebration of defections by governors and lawmakers — has contributed to neglect in governance and worsening insecurity.
“The abandonment of governance for political campaigns has directly led to widespread kidnapping, and the reckless killing of citizens by terrorists, bandits, and other armed gangs, weak accountability and deep poverty.
“It is sad to note that while huge public funds are wasted on illegal political campaigns, the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory and the majority of the states have refused to pay counterpart funds to access the matching grant of N98 billion in the account of the Universal Basic Education Commission,” Falana said.
Falana also reminded political parties of the legal provisions guiding campaign periods under the Electoral Act.
“For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
“We are compelled to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services to halt further political campaigns in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2006,” he added.
INEC Revises 2027 Election Timetable
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 general elections after concerns that the earlier schedule would coincide with the Ramadan fasting period observed by Muslims.
Initially, the commission had slated the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls for March 6, 2027.
However, following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, INEC reviewed the schedule to align with the new legal framework.
Under the revised timetable, presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Key Timelines Ahead of the Polls
INEC also outlined important milestones leading up to the elections. Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” INEC stated, noting that the revised timetable is consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and has been published on its official platforms.
