Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has urged political parties and elected officials to suspend premature campaigns for the 2027 general elections, warning that early politicking is distracting leaders from governance and worsening insecurity across the country.

Falana made the call following the release of the 2027 election timetable by Independent National Electoral Commission, which fixed January 16, 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state House of Assembly polls are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

According to him, despite the elections being about ten months away, several political actors have already shifted attention to campaigns, defections and power negotiations instead of addressing urgent national challenges.

He said, “It is common knowledge that some political parties have commenced political campaigns even though elections will not be held for 10 months. Governance has been abandoned for the celebration of defections by elected governors and legislators, as well as other forms of political campaigns.”

Falana linked the development to the rising wave of kidnappings and killings across the country, stressing that insecurity continues to spread while political leaders remain preoccupied with electoral calculations.

He also criticised the use of public funds for what he described as illegal campaigns, noting that several states and the Federal Capital Territory have failed to provide counterpart funding needed to access the N98 billion matching grant of the Universal Basic Education Commission for basic education.

“It is unfortunate that while huge public funds are being wasted on illegal political campaigns, many authorities have refused to pay counterpart funds required to access UBEC grants meant for education,” he stated.

Citing Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, Falana reminded political parties that official campaigns are expected to begin 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before the election.

He therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force, INEC and the State Security Service to enforce the law and stop further early campaigns. ⚖️

Political observers say the trend of prolonged campaigning continues to blur the line between governance and electioneering, at a time many Nigerians expect stronger action on security, education and the economy.