Human Rights Group Urges Tinubu to Halt Premature 2027 Campaigns, Tasks INEC on Electoral Integrity
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Tinubu to enforce his earlier directive against premature campaigns for the 2027 presidential election, warning that continued disregard for the Electoral Act undermines democratic integrity.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement issued Tuesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed concern that despite President Tinubu’s disapproval of early campaign activities four months ago, streets across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several state capitals remain dotted with billboards and fliers promoting his re-election bid.
The rights group noted that in April 2025, the presidency, through Special Adviser on Strategy and Information, Bayo Onanuga, had publicly distanced itself from the billboards and warned against premature campaigning. At the time, Onanuga emphasized that such activities were illegal and capable of giving undue advantage while weakening the credibility of the electoral process.
HURIWA, however, argued that the continued proliferation of campaign materials for the president raises questions about the sincerity of the administration’s stance.
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“It is commendable that the president warned against these violations of electoral law. What is shocking is that he has yet to give a clear directive to law enforcement agencies to clamp down on the individuals and groups funding these campaigns,” Onwubiko stated.
The association urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other security agencies to take immediate steps to remove campaign billboards and prosecute violators, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force does not need a petition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before enforcing the law.
According to HURIWA, the silence of both INEC and security agencies on the matter creates the impression that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) enjoys immunity from laws binding on all political actors.
“The inaction of law enforcement emphatically conveys the impression that President Tinubu is not against these premature campaigns being orchestrated by his loyalists,” the group warned.
HURIWA further cautioned that allowing the campaigns to continue unchecked would set a dangerous precedent, where the ruling party exploits federal power to gain unfair advantage in future elections.
The group insisted that beyond partisan politics, the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is at stake. If premature campaigns are tolerated, it signals that the rule of law can be bent for the powerful, erodes public trust in INEC, and risks turning the 2027 election into a contest already tilted in favour of the incumbent.
“Mr. President, please be a statesman and a leader for all Nigerians by ensuring that the premature campaigns stop immediately. The rule of law must not be sacrificed on the altar of political sycophancy,” Onwubiko added.
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