Falana warns against Nigeria’s premature political campaigns, calling them illegal distractions from urgent governance priorities. His strong legal stance urges leaders to uphold electoral laws, focus on national development, and respect democratic principles.
Introduction
Prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has issued a strong warning against what he describes as illegal and premature political campaigning for the 2027 general elections. His remarks have stirred national attention, reigniting conversations about the rule of law, political responsibility, and governance ethics in Nigeria.
Falana’s comments come at a time when many politicians and their supporters have begun positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle, despite the fact that it is still two years away from the start of any official campaign season. His position is clear: these actions are unlawful and distract from the urgent needs of the Nigerian populace.
Understanding the Legal Framework
The legal framework guiding Nigeria’s elections, particularly the Electoral Act of 2022, outlines specific timelines for political campaigns. These provisions are meant to ensure fairness, order, and a level playing field among contestants. Falana has pointed out that the law does not permit political parties, individuals, or organizations to begin campaigns several years before an election.
According to the provisions of the law, campaigns are to commence only within a stipulated period before the election date. Any political activity that mimics or is perceived as a campaign before this period is regarded as a breach. Falana emphasized that the rule of law must be upheld and that any violation of electoral provisions should be met with appropriate sanctions.
A Threat to Governance and National Priorities
One of the central issues raised by Falana is the diversion of attention from governance to politics. When politicians begin to focus on re-election campaigns years in advance, they risk neglecting their constitutional responsibilities. Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including insecurity, high inflation, unemployment, power shortages, and a struggling healthcare system.
Falana argues that elected officials should spend their time addressing these pressing issues rather than planning for future elections. For him, early campaigning not only violates the law but also represents a failure in leadership and accountability.
The Role of the Media in Enabling Illegal Campaigning
Falana did not reserve his criticism solely for politicians. He also called on media organizations to refrain from giving visibility to illegal campaign activities. According to him, the media plays a critical role in shaping the national conversation. When journalists and broadcasters allow early campaigners airtime and headlines, they contribute to the normalization of illegal political behavior.
Instead of focusing on political speculation and electoral predictions, Falana urged the media to highlight real governance issues. Coverage should be centered on how leaders are performing in their current roles rather than how they are positioning themselves for future offices.
Rejecting Ethnic and Regional Politics
Another theme Falana addressed was the increasing tendency to frame political contests along ethnic or regional lines. Discussions about power rotation or zoning have become a recurring topic in Nigerian politics. While some see zoning as a tool for inclusion, Falana argues that it undermines merit and shifts focus away from capability and integrity.
He believes that leadership should not be determined by where a person comes from or what religion they practice, but by their competence and ability to solve national problems. Early campaigning that emphasizes zoning or regional entitlement further distracts from the real issues Nigerians face.
The Responsibility of INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the body constitutionally mandated to oversee elections in Nigeria. Falana believes that INEC has a responsibility not only to conduct elections but also to enforce the rules surrounding them. He has called on INEC to take a public stance against premature campaigning.
This includes issuing warnings, naming violators, and initiating sanctions where appropriate. By doing so, INEC would be reinforcing its credibility and ensuring that all political actors play by the rules.
The Danger of Normalizing Illegality
One of the most concerning trends Falana identified is the growing public tolerance for illegal political behavior. When violations go unpunished and media attention normalizes them, they risk becoming standard practice. This erosion of legality can have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.
Falana’s call is not just a legal argument but a moral one. He warns that when illegal acts are tolerated in the political sphere, they send a message that rules are optional. Over time, this can corrode public trust in democratic institutions and discourage lawful political engagement.
Focus on National Development, Not Power Games
Instead of strategizing for elections that are still years away, Falana wants political actors to concentrate on development and reform. Issues like poverty, access to quality education, job creation, and infrastructural decay are too urgent to be ignored. The resources and energy currently being spent on campaign posters, media appearances, and political rallies could be better utilized in service to the people.
He challenged elected officials to leave a legacy of service and impact. When history is written, it should not remember leaders for how early they started campaigning, but for what they did while in office.
A Call for Ethical Leadership
Ethics in politics has long been a challenge in Nigeria, and Falana believes it’s time to demand higher standards. Politicians should not wait for legal sanctions to do what is right. Ethical leadership means adhering to the spirit of the law, not just its letter.
Those who aspire to lead the country should demonstrate discipline, respect for due process, and empathy for the citizens they wish to serve. Early campaigning may signal ambition, but it also reflects misplaced priorities when the nation’s problems are so urgent.
Political Education and Civic Awareness
Another component of Falana’s critique is the lack of civic education among the general populace. Many Nigerians are unaware of the electoral laws and timelines, making it easier for politicians to exploit public ignorance. There is a need for civil society, media, and educational institutions to step up efforts in promoting political literacy.
When citizens are informed about the rules, they are better equipped to hold leaders accountable. Falana encourages the public to resist premature campaigns and instead demand performance and transparency from those currently in office.
Lessons from Nigeria’s Democratic History
Nigeria’s democratic journey has been marked by periods of progress and setbacks. Falana’s warnings are grounded in an understanding of how easily the political process can be undermined by disregard for the law. From elections marred by violence to court battles over irregularities, the system has suffered when the rules are bent or ignored.
The current generation of leaders has a responsibility to strengthen democratic norms, not weaken them. By adhering to the prescribed timelines, political actors can help reinforce the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The Importance of Institutional Credibility
Beyond politicians and the media, institutions like INEC, the judiciary, and security agencies have a crucial role to play. Their neutrality, professionalism, and commitment to the rule of law are essential to building public confidence in the democratic system.
Falana emphasized that when these institutions fail to act, they risk becoming complicit in the erosion of legal standards. He encouraged them to rise above political pressure and fulfill their constitutional duties without fear or favor.
Recommendations for Moving Forward
Falana’s position is not merely critical but constructive. He offers several paths forward:
- INEC should issue formal statements outlining what constitutes premature campaigning and what the penalties are.
- The media should adopt editorial policies that deny coverage to political events that fall outside the legal campaign window.
- Political parties should discipline their members who violate electoral laws.
- Civil society should increase voter education campaigns.
- Citizens should resist the temptation to support early campaigns and instead evaluate leaders based on performance.
Support for Legal Clarity and Enforcement
In advocating for legal clarity, Falana is calling for a political culture based on law, not personality. He believes that the only way to build a stable and trustworthy democracy is by holding everyone to the same standards. The law must apply equally to the powerful and the powerless.
His approach is rooted in a long history of legal activism, and his voice carries weight in Nigeria’s legal and political circles. His latest intervention is not just a critique of current political behavior but a call to return to democratic discipline.
An Issue of National Urgency
What may seem like a technical issue about electoral timelines is, in fact, a matter of national urgency. Nigeria cannot afford to be governed by individuals more interested in the next election than in today’s problems. Falana’s message is timely and should resonate with anyone who believes in democracy, justice, and accountable leadership.
External Perspective on Election Campaign Ethics
Globally, democracies are grappling with the problem of endless campaigning. Experts warn that when electioneering becomes a permanent feature of political life, it weakens governance. A comparative insight on campaign reform and political ethics can be found here.
Conclusion
Femi Falana’s warning is a call to conscience for Nigeria’s political class. Premature campaigning for the 2027 elections is not only a violation of the law but also a betrayal of the trust placed in elected leaders. The country needs solutions, not slogans; performance, not politicking.
The road to 2027 should be paved with tangible progress in governance, respect for electoral rules, and a renewed commitment to public service. Only then can Nigeria claim to be building a democracy worthy of its people’s hopes and sacrifices.
