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INEC Under Fire for Failing to Enforce Electoral Campaign Regulations Ahead of 2027 Polls

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 30th, 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing intense scrutiny following its apparent failure to enforce its own regulations concerning electioneering campaigns and political rallies.

Despite being over two years away from the 2027 general elections, political parties across the country have already launched unauthorized campaigns and rallies — in clear violation of INEC’s standing ban on premature political activities.

Observers and citizens alike have expressed disappointment at INEC’s inability to take decisive action against these infractions, raising concerns about the Commission’s overall preparedness to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

“The INEC has proved itself incapable of enforcing even the simplest rule in its electoral guidelines,” one analyst noted. “If they cannot stop early campaigns, how can we trust them to handle more serious breaches during the actual election period?”

The silence and inaction of the electoral body, despite these violations happening in plain sight, has fueled widespread skepticism about its ability to impose the sanctions prescribed by law and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

As the countdown to 2027 continues, stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms within INEC to restore public confidence and guarantee that all political actors play by the rules moving forward.