2027: Femi Falana Calls for Immediate Halt to Early Campaigns, Raises Concerns Over Governance

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called for the immediate suspension of political campaigns in Nigeria, urging leaders to focus on governance.

In a statement, Falana pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.

Despite the elections being about ten months away, he expressed concern that some political parties have already started campaigns. He noted that politicians are busy celebrating defections of governors and lawmakers, while important issues of governance are being ignored.

Falana warned that this early focus on politics is worsening the country’s challenges. According to him, it has contributed to rising insecurity, including kidnapping and killings, as well as poor accountability and increasing poverty among citizens.

He also criticised the use of public funds for what he described as illegal campaigns. At the same time, he noted that several state governments and authorities in the Federal Capital Territory have failed to provide required funds needed to access a N98 billion matching grant from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Falana reminded political actors that the Electoral Act clearly states that campaigns should only begin 150 days before the election and must stop 24 hours before voting. He urged all parties to respect the law and focus on delivering good governance to Nigerians.