Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has strongly criticized politicians currently engaging in early political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such activities as illegal and diversionary.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Tuesday, Falana emphasized that the premature electioneering violates the provisions of the Electoral Act and distracts from the pressing need for effective governance.
“As far as the 2027 elections are concerned, the ongoing political campaigns are totally illegal,” he stated.
“They are also diversionary because what Nigerians expect now and what the law provides for is governance, not distraction.”
“No Legal Basis for Early Campaigns” — Falana
Falana reiterated that Nigerian law does not support electioneering activities years ahead of the official campaign window, and warned that continuing down this path could undermine democratic processes.
“There’s no provision yet in the law for campaigns two years before an election. It’s not part of our legal framework,” he noted.
INEC Must Act
The legal luminary called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take decisive action by cautioning politicians, including state governors, who are prematurely engaging in political campaigns.
“INEC must enforce the provisions of the Electoral Act and ensure politicians comply with the stipulated timelines for campaigning,” he said.
Role of the Media
Falana also urged the media to play its part in upholding the rule of law, by refusing to give undue coverage to illegal campaigns and instead hold politicians accountable to their constitutional duties.
“If those in power want to amend the law to allow early campaigns, that process should be followed. But until then, everyone must respect the law,” he concluded.
