Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly ignoring politicians who have prematurely launched campaigns for the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Sunday Politics, Falana described the early political maneuvering as “abnormal” and insisted that the electoral body has a constitutional duty to intervene.
“The law cannot cover all situations. The lawmakers thought they were dealing with a civilized political class. No. Now that they are violating the law, it makes it a duty, empowered by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, to bring out rules and regulations,” he said.

Falana rejected INEC’s claim that the Electoral Act imposes no penalty for premature campaigns, urging the Commission to use its constitutional powers to draft regulations and prosecute offenders.
“INEC is required to charge some of these guys before the court. Let them come to court and say, ‘Sorry, my Lord, there is no provision for punishment.’ If you fail to comply with the order of the court, you have committed contempt and you will go to jail,” he added.

Last week, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu acknowledged that Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act restricts campaigns to 150 days before an election but does not prescribe sanctions for violators. Falana, however, cited Section 95 of the Act and constitutional provisions as sufficient legal authority for INEC to regulate campaigns.

He warned that governance is being undermined as politicians shift focus to 2027 elections prematurely. “It’s not done anywhere. So, governance is being thrown to the dogs,” he said.