By Our Correspondent
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has expressed dismay over the early political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing them as not only illegal but also a major distraction from the pressing need for good governance.
Falana made the remarks during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television aired on Tuesday.
The legal luminary insisted that the premature political activities currently being witnessed across the country are in clear violation of Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
“As far as the 2027 elections are concerned, the ongoing political campaigns are totally illegal. They are also diversionary because what Nigerians expect now and what the law provides for is governance, not distraction,” Falana stated.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take decisive action by cautioning politicians, including some state governors, who are already engaging in pre-election activities despite the absence of a formal election timetable.
“There’s no provision yet in the law for campaigns two years before an election. It’s not part of our legal framework,” he emphasised.
Falana urged INEC to enforce the provisions of the Electoral Act and ensure that all political actors adhere strictly to the legally stipulated timelines for electioneering.
He also charged the media with the responsibility of upholding democratic principles and holding public office holders accountable to the law.
“If those in power want to amend the law to allow early campaigns, that process should be followed. But until then, everyone must respect the law,” he further said.
