As Nigeria approaches its 2027 general elections, an unusual political phenomenon has emerged: premature campaigning by politicians several years ahead of the official campaign period. Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has publicly condemned these early campaigns as both illegal and diversionary. Speaking on Channels Television’s 'Politics Today,' Falana emphasized that the ongoing political activities violate the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and distract the nation from urgent governance needs. This article delves into Falana’s critical viewpoints, the legal framework governing election campaigns, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic process and socio-economic stability.
Femi Falana’s Stance on the 2027 Campaigns
Femi Falana, a seasoned human rights activist and legal expert, has unequivocally described the ongoing campaigns for Nigeria's 2027 elections as "totally illegal." His assertion stems from the interpretation of the Electoral Act, 2022, which clearly outlines the permissible timeline for campaigning activities. Falana’s criticism highlights the premature nature of these campaigns, which have been active for months, well ahead of the official campaign period.
According to Falana, these early campaigns are not only unlawful but also diversionary. They detract from the core responsibilities of governance and distract Nigerians from pressing national issues such as infrastructure deficits, economic hardship, and social welfare. He warns that such diversionary tactics undermine the rule of law and the democratic process.
Falana’s firm stance signals a call to action for electoral bodies and the government to enforce existing laws rigorously. He stresses the need to realign political activities with legal provisions and to prioritize governance over political maneuvering ahead of time.
Legal Framework: The Electoral Act, 2022
The Electoral Act, 2022, serves as the governing legal document regulating elections in Nigeria, including the timing and conduct of campaigns. The Act stipulates strict timelines within which political campaigns are to be conducted, ensuring a level playing field and preventing undue influence or voter manipulation long before elections.
Falana points out that no provision in the Electoral Act allows for electioneering activities two years before the scheduled election date. This legal restriction is designed to prevent the politicization of governance and to ensure that public officials focus on their administrative duties rather than premature politicking.
The Act also empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor and enforce these regulations. Falana calls on INEC to actively intervene and remind politicians and government officials of their legal obligations, thereby safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Role of INEC in Enforcing Campaign Laws
INEC, as Nigeria’s electoral umpire, carries the responsibility of ensuring that elections are free, fair, and conducted within the framework of the law. Falana’s appeal underscores the commission’s duty to curtail illegal campaign activities that may skew the democratic process.
By enforcing the Electoral Act’s provisions, INEC can prevent politicians from exploiting early campaigns to entrench ethnic, religious, or other primordial sentiments. This enforcement is crucial to maintaining peaceful and issue-based political discourse in the country.
Moreover, INEC’s proactive engagement would reinforce public confidence in the electoral system, reassuring Nigerians that elections will be conducted fairly and that governance will not be compromised by premature politicking.
Political Campaigns vs. Governance: The Nigerian Dilemma
Falana’s critique goes beyond legality; he questions the wisdom of politicians prioritizing early campaigns over effective governance. According to him, the premature focus on elections disrupts the government’s ability to address critical issues such as electricity shortages, educational system decline, and deteriorating infrastructure.
He highlights the paradox where politicians are more invested in winning future elections than solving the immediate problems confronting Nigerians. This diversionary tactic, Falana warns, erodes public trust and hampers national development.
The lawyer stresses that governance should be the primary concern of those in power, urging them to consult local governments and communities to deliver effective and lawful administration rather than engaging in endless political campaigns.
Ethnicity, Religion, and Primordial Politics: A Call for Issue-Based Campaigning
Falana criticizes the prevalent use of ethnicity and religion as tools to mobilize political support during campaigns. He argues that this approach deepens divisions and distracts from addressing substantive issues affecting Nigerians.
He advocates for media and political actors to steer the discourse towards problem-solving and policy-based debates rather than identity politics. According to him, focusing on issues like poverty, infrastructure, and social welfare will foster national unity and constructive political engagement.
This shift is essential to building a mature democracy where elections are fought on ideas and solutions rather than primordial sentiments, which often fuel conflict and disenfranchisement.
Economic Hardships and the Political Landscape
The current economic challenges facing Nigeria, including inflation, unemployment, and inadequate social services, form the backdrop to the ongoing political activities. Falana notes that despite these hardships, politicians are preoccupied with campaign strategies instead of addressing economic reforms.
He references the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act of 2023, which mandates the federal government to fund poverty-alleviation initiatives such as the Youth Government Enterprises and Empowerment Programme and the National Homegrown School Feeding Programme. Falana suggests that more focus should be placed on effectively implementing such programs.
The disconnect between governance and political campaigning exacerbates the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, who continue to face daily hardships without tangible relief from those in power.
President Tinubu’s Directive and Falana’s Response
President Bola Tinubu recently urged state governors to 'wet the ground' at the grassroots level, encouraging them to engage and mobilize local support ahead of the elections. Falana acknowledges this directive but argues that the situation demands more than political mobilization.
He emphasizes that the economic crisis has made life increasingly difficult for Nigerians, and mere political groundwork is insufficient without substantive policy interventions to alleviate poverty and improve living standards.
Falana contends that the government must go beyond appeals and implement effective programs that directly impact the welfare of the people, reinforcing governance over political positioning.
The Media’s Role in Shaping Nigeria’s Electoral Culture
Falana calls on the media to play a pivotal role in educating Nigerians about the legal timelines for campaigns and the importance of issue-based politics. The media can help break the cycle of ethnic and religious manipulation by focusing on substantive national challenges.
By holding politicians accountable and scrutinizing their policies rather than their identities, the media can foster a more informed electorate capable of making decisions based on governance performance.
This responsible journalism is vital in nurturing Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring that elections reflect the true will of the people rather than the influence of premature and illegal campaigns.
Conclusion
The premature campaigns for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, as highlighted by Femi Falana, SAN, represent a significant departure from the legal and democratic norms established by the Electoral Act, 2022. These early political activities not only violate the law but also distract from urgent governance issues that affect millions of Nigerians. For Nigeria to strengthen its democracy and improve the welfare of its citizens, there must be strict adherence to electoral laws, a shift towards issue-based politics, and a renewed focus on effective governance. INEC, politicians, the media, and civil society all have pivotal roles to play in ensuring that future elections are conducted fairly and that governance remains the primary focus until the official campaign period. Only then can Nigeria’s democratic aspirations be fully realized, and the nation’s socio-economic challenges be adequately addressed.