Former Nigerian federal lawmaker Dachung Bagos has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate its neutrality by taking action against President Bola Tinubu and his supporters for displaying campaign billboards prematurely. Bagos made the statement on Thursday’s AIT Focus television program. He noted that, as the former representative of the Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, he believes the billboards bearing the slogan “Vote Tinubu 2027” violate Section 94 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits campaign messages that explicitly solicit votes outside the approved campaign period.
According to Bagos, the law specifically bans the use of the phrase “vote for” in campaign materials before the official campaign window opens. He pointed out that several billboards in Abuja feature the president and his wife alongside the words “Vote Tinubu 2027,” which he says constitute a clear breach of the Act. Bagos argued that the mere presence of the word “vote” is sufficient grounds for INEC to impose sanctions, even if no party logo appears on the billboard.
Bagos urged INEC to sanction the president and issue a warning, emphasizing that failure to act could create the perception of bias ahead of the 2027 elections. He stressed that INEC’s neutrality is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. By penalising the president and his supporters, the commission can demonstrate its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
The Electoral Act 2022 aims to regulate the electoral process and prevent undue influence or advantage. Section 94 is designed specifically to curb premature campaigning and to guarantee that all candidates have an equal opportunity to reach voters during the official campaign period. As the 2027 elections approach, INEC’s actions will be closely watched to ensure that the electoral process remains free, fair, and credible.
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