Falana Tells INEC to Take Political Parties to Court Over Early Campaigns
Falana Tells INEC to Take Political Parties to Court Over Early Campaigns
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to drag political parties to court for starting campaigns too early ahead of the 2027 elections.
Falana, who spoke on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, said it was wrong and abnormal for parties to be campaigning already when the law has not allowed it.
He accused politicians of ignoring the law and said INEC should not just watch but act. “INEC should charge some of these people to court. Let them go and explain to the judge why they are breaking the law,” Falana said.
He added that even though the Electoral Act does not give a direct punishment for early campaigns, it is still against the law. He warned that if anyone disobeys a court order, such a person could be jailed for contempt.
Falana’s comments came after INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said there was no punishment in the Electoral Act for campaigning before 150 days to an election. But Falana insisted that INEC has the power to make rules and regulations to stop the illegality.
He pointed to parts of the constitution and the Electoral Act which give INEC authority to control how campaigns are done. According to him, INEC should quickly act and seek legal advice so that early campaigns do not become normal practice.
With two years left before the 2027 elections, many political parties have already started strategizing and campaigning, raising concerns that governance is being abandoned.
