Another Electioneering Season Beckons On August 19

Nigeria is entering a heightened electioneering period, marked by the upcoming Osun State governorship election and the looming 2027 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially lifted the ban on campaign activities for the 2027 polls, signaling the start of a frenzied political atmosphere.

President Bola Tinubu is seeking re-election, facing challenges from rivals like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. The first phase of the campaign window for presidential and National Assembly candidates opens on August 19, 2026, with the second phase for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections commencing on September 9. This period will see a shift from illegal campaign activities to lawful rallies and public engagements.

However, the Electoral Act 2022 presents a "lacuna" concerning early campaign violations. While Section 94(1) prohibits campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling day, it lacks specified punishments. The Act does stipulate a maximum penalty of N500,000 for campaigning within 24 hours of polling day under Section 94(2). This ambiguity allows politicians to exploit the system.

The author notes that fulfilling public desires has become difficult due to insincere politicians and parties not formed along ideological lines. Manifestos often hold little significance for party leaders, contributing to a disconnect between political promises and actual governance.

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Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be.