Politics

INEC chairman – Early political campaigns threaten democracy

Published

8 months ago

September 10, 2025

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has raised concerns over the growing trend of premature political campaigns across the country, describing it as a direct violation of Nigeria’s electoral laws and a threat to democratic governance.

Speaking at a one-day roundtable on the challenges of early political campaigns, held at the Electoral Institute in Abuja on Wednesday, Yakubu highlighted what he described as a “disturbing trend” of political campaigning ahead of scheduled timelines, especially in relation to upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, and the 2027 general election.

He referenced Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which clearly prohibits the commencement of campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling day, and requires all campaign activities to end 24 hours before voting begins.

However, he lamented that political actors often disregard this provision. “Political parties, candidates and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mood even when the Electoral Commission is yet to release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for elections.

“Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates,” the INEC Chairman noted.

Yakubu warned that these premature activities severely compromise the commission’s ability to enforce campaign finance limits.

“These actions and activities undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits as politicians, prospective candidates and third-party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns,” he said.

He noted that while Nigerians expect INEC, as the regulator of political parties, to act, the Commission’s powers are constrained by gaps in the legal framework. “The major challenge for the commission is the law itself,” he noted.

Although Section 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 imposes a maximum fine of N500,000 for campaigning within 24 hours of an election, Professor Yakubu pointed out that “there is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election.

“Here lies the challenge for the commission in dealing with the early campaign.”

He acknowledged that early campaigning is not a new issue, but said the failure of regulatory bodies to address it within existing legal constraints necessitated deeper reflection.

“The seeming inability of the commission and other regulatory agencies to deal with the menace within the ambit of the existing electoral legal framework calls for deep reflection,” Yakubu said.

“With the National Assembly currently reviewing our electoral laws,” Yakubu said, “the commission has also invited the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters.

“I am confident that they will give due consideration to actionable recommendations by experts.”

He also acknowledged the participation of regulatory agencies, including the National Broadcasting Commission, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, expressing optimism that the discussions would yield practical solutions.

The INEC chairman’s remarks came amid rising political activity nationwide, despite the 2027 general election still being more than a year away. Across the country, politicians have been hosting large gatherings, commissioning constituency projects, and holding “empowerment” events—many of which observers say are disguised campaign efforts.

Nigeria operates on a four-year electoral cycle, during which elected officials serve for a renewable term of four years. As general elections are constitutionally mandated to be held every four years, political activities tend to intensify well in advance. In recent election cycles, the build-up has started earlier with each cycle, often turning governance into secondary business as politicians begin to focus more on elections than service delivery.

Historically, early campaigns have also led to increased political tension and division. During the build-up to the 2023 general elections, similar concerns were raised as political rhetoric dominated the national conversation months before INEC officially flagged off campaign activities. Many of those early activities went unchecked due to a lack of punitive measures within the legal framework.

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Politics

Yobe ADC dismisses alliance claims with APC

Published

5 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yobe State has dismissed claims that loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the party had struck an alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The party described the allegation as “false and misleading,” accusing one Prof Muhammad Jawa of attempting to sow discord within the opposition party in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Yobe State Chairman of the party, Umar Alhaji, the ADC said the publication credited to Jawa did not represent the position of the party leadership.

The party also questioned Jawa’s political credibility and loyalty, alleging that his past activities had continued to generate concern among members.

According to the statement, Jawa’s appointment as Special Assistant to Governor Mai Mala Buni, while retaining links with the ADC, raised suspicion among stakeholders over what the party described as “divided loyalty.”

The ADC further alleged that stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with Jawa’s performance during his tenure as chairman of the MMRR Committee, particularly over the low level of membership registration recorded across the state.

The party also accused him of maintaining close ties with the “Obedient Movement,” which it claimed contributed to his defeat during the party’s last state congress, where he contested for the position of state chairman.

“The outcome of that congress reflected the collective will of party members who had lost confidence in his leadership ambitions,” the statement read.

The ADC maintained that the party in Yobe remained united and committed to providing credible opposition and democratic leadership.

“At no time has the leadership aligned with the APC as falsely alleged,” the statement added.

The party urged members of the public and supporters to disregard the publication, describing it as “false, malicious and intended to create division within the party.”

The reaction followed comments by Prof. Jawa during a stakeholders’ meeting in Damaturu on Saturday, where he claimed that ADC members across the 17 local government areas of Yobe had resolved to align with the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Jawa, who is also the Founder and National Coordinator of the Arewa Strategic Implementation Group for Atiku, said the planned realignment was aimed at promoting political stability and supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next general elections.

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Politics

Labour Party in Nasarawa elects new chairman

Published

10 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Members of the Labour Party in Nasarawa State loyal to the Nenadi Usman-led administration have elected a new chairman to pilot the affairs of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a press conference in Lafia, the state capital, on Tuesday, the newly elected chairman, Asoloko Maku, described the recently concluded party congresses as a testament that the Labour Party in Nasarawa State remains united, resilient and ready for action.

He noted that despite the “noise” from detractors, the party had demonstrated that its principles were anchored on democracy and the rule of law.

Maku said, “I am honoured and privileged to address the press today, not just as the Chairman of the Labour Party in Nasarawa State, but as a humble servant and a messenger of hope.

“I accepted the mandate with a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that the confidence reposed in me is a call to duty. I thank Almighty God for this day. I also thank the 13 Local Government chairmen and secretaries present here, who were duly elected during our peaceful congresses.”

He pledged to run an inclusive administration focused on grassroots mobilisation and party unity.

“As your chairman, I pledge leadership that is transparent, inclusive and committed to the grassroots. I reach out to all members, including those with differing views, to join hands with us. The goal is 2027, and we can only succeed together. We are not just a political party; we are a movement for social justice,” he said.

The newly elected chairman assured members that his administration would focus on social democracy and ensure that the resources of Nasarawa State benefit all residents, not just a privileged few.

Maku also urged party members to remain focused and not be distracted by external factors, noting that legal disputes within the party had been resolved.

According to him, court judgments delivered between 2025 and 2026 resolved the leadership tussles within the party and affirmed the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman.

“The Supreme Court verdict of April 4, 2025, overturned previous decisions that gave legal recognition to Barrister Julius Abure, nullifying the convention that purportedly returned him.

“The Federal High Court ruling of January 21, 2026, confirmed the expiration of Abure’s tenure and removed him as National Chairman, directing INEC to recognise the Senator Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee.

“The Court of Appeal judgment of April 21, 2026, unanimously dismissed Abure’s appeal, affirmed Senator Usman as the legitimate leader and awarded N10 million in costs against him,” he said.

Maku added that the Labour Party would continue to champion the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“We will continue to stand for the dignity of workers, the welfare of the ordinary farmer in Doma, the trader in Mararaba and the youth in Akwanga. We are here to bring a peaceful political revolution that replaces injustice with equity,” he said.

He stressed the need for the party to begin preparations for the 2027 elections immediately.

“The road to the 2027 elections is here, and we must begin preparations immediately. We will rebuild trust, strengthen our party structures and ensure that every vote cast is protected.

“This is a call to action for all Labour Party stakeholders in the state. The time for fighting is over; the time for work is here. Let us join hands to provide a better alternative for our people,” he added.

Maku further said the party was determined to win elective positions across the state and the country.

“In conclusion, the journey to Aso Rock, Government House, the National Assembly and the State Assembly begins today. Let us work with dedication, honesty, integrity and love. The people of Nasarawa State are waiting for leadership, and the Labour Party is ready to provide that alternative,” he added.

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Politics

NDC pegs presidential form at N60m, primaries hold May 29

Published

3 hours ago

May 13, 2026

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday released the schedule for the conduct of its primary elections, with presidential hopefuls expected to pay N60m to secure their Nomination and Expression of Interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

Cleopas announced that the sale of forms will commence from May 13 to May 18 as the basic step to its internal electoral process ahead of the next general elections.

The party also advised aspirants to attend the planned screening exercise with their relevant credentials and supporting documents.

The statement read, “The sale of nomination forms will commence immediately after the screening exercise from Thursday, May 21 to Saturday, May 23, 2026, while completed forms must be submitted on or before Monday, May 25.

“Appeals arising from the screening process will be entertained on May 25 and 26, while primary elections for various elective offices are scheduled to be held on May 27 and 28, 2026.

“The presidential primary election is slated for May 29, 2026, in Abuja.”

Continuing, Cleopas clarified that aspirants who seek tickets for state Houses of Assembly would be screened in their respective states, while screening for National Assembly and presidential aspirants would take place at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, every aspirant will be required to sign an undertaking in line with the party’s guidelines and code of conduct.

He said, “The party also announced that it would adopt the ‘open secret ballot’ system for its primaries to guarantee credibility, fairness, and internal democracy.”

An open ballot system is a voting method in which voters vote openly, in contrast to a secret ballot, where a voter’s choices are confidential.

The NDC argued that its approved nomination fees remain among the lowest when compared with those charged by other major political parties in the country.

Under the approved fee structure, aspirants for the state Houses of Assembly are expected to pay N2.5m for both the expression of interest and nomination forms, while those for the House of Representatives will pay N6m.

In the Senate category, aspirants are to pay N8m for both forms, while governorship hopefuls will pay N30m.

“For the presidency, aspirants will pay N20m for the expression of interest form and N40m for the nomination, bringing the total cost to N60m.

“Meanwhile, female aspirants and persons living with disability are to pay 50 per cent and 25 per cent of the fees across all categories.

“The party reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible primary election process capable of producing competent candidates for the 2027 general elections,” Cleopas added.

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