By Abiola Olawale
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has criticized politicians for launching what he described as premature and illegal political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The legal luminary labeled the campaigns as illegal and a distraction from critical governance issues.
Speaking during an interview with Channels TV, Falana urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce the Electoral Act, 2022, and halt these early political activities.
Falana emphasized that the ongoing campaigns violate Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which stipulates that electioneering is only permissible within 150 days before polling day, ceasing 24 hours before the election.
He said: “As far as the 2027 elections are concerned, the ongoing political campaigns are illegal. They are also diversionary because what Nigerians expect now and what the law provides for is governance, not distraction.
“There’s no provision yet in the law for campaigns two years before an election. It’s not part of our legal framework.
“If those in power want to amend the law to allow early campaigns, that process should be followed. But until then, everyone must respect the law.”
