Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities and funding of third-party campaigners as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
Jega made the call at an INEC roundtable on premature political campaigns held at the Electoral Institute in Abuja. He warned that the growing trend of early campaigns was unlawful and a threat to the electoral process.
“The increasing trend of early political campaigns is not only unlawful but also undermines governance, heightens political tensions, and poses a serious threat to the integrity of the 2027 elections,” he said.
The former INEC boss stressed the need for strict oversight of campaign financing. “EFCC and ICPC should pay special attention to third-party campaigners and thoroughly interrogate their sources of funding. In determining whether candidates and parties’ expenditures fall within approved limits, the estimated expenditure by a third-party campaigner for the candidate or party should be taken into consideration,” he added.
Jega renewed his long-standing call for the creation of an Election Offences Commission and Tribunal to handle electoral violations. According to him, “The recommendation for the establishment of the Elections Offences Commission and Tribunal has become even more urgent and important and should be addressed before the 2027 elections.”
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He condemned premature campaigns, stating they divert leaders’ focus from governance and fuel division. “Premature campaigns create an uneven playing field, confer unfair advantages, and entrench a culture of lawlessness and impunity,” Jega noted.
His remarks come after recent warnings by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and demands from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which has threatened legal action if INEC fails to act against violators of the Electoral Act.
Under the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns are expected to begin 150 days before polling and end 24 hours before voting. However, early campaigning has already become widespread ahead of 2027, in clear violation of the law.
