Falana slams INEC as politicians jumpstart 2027 race

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the body of looking away while politicians unofficially launch their 2027 campaigns.

Falana, speaking on Sunday Politics, described the early political maneuvering as “abnormal” and warned that the electoral umpire has a duty to act.

“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.

According to him, INEC’s excuse that there is no penalty for premature campaigns under the current Electoral Act is not enough. He urged the Commission to rely on constitutional powers to draft regulations and take violators to court.

“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,’” the Senior Advocate of Nigeria argued. “If you fail to comply with the order of the court, you have committed contempt and you will go to jail.”

Last week, INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu admitted the Commission was helpless in the matter, citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act which restricts campaigns to 150 days before an election but provides no sanction for offenders.

But Falana insisted that Section 95 and constitutional provisions already empower INEC to regulate campaigns, insisting that governance is being undermined by politicians who have shifted focus to 2027 two years too early.

“It’s not done anywhere. So, governance is being thrown to the dogs,” he said.