“Charge political parties to court for early campaign” – Falana tells INEC

Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, has challenged the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to charge political parties to court for early campaign.

Falana made this call on Sunday during a virtual session with Channels TV’s Seun Okinbaloye, describing campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections as abnormal.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria noted the sheer disregard for law by political parties ahead of the forthcoming election.

“The law cannot cover all situations. The lawmakers thought they were dealing with a civilized political class.

“Now that they are violating the law, it makes it a duty, empowered by the constitution and the Electoral Act to bring out rules and regulations.

“By the way, INEC is required to charge some of these guys before the court. Let them come to court and say, ‘Sorry, my Lord, there is no provision for punishment,’” Falana said.

Speaking further on the Sunday Politics program, Falana revealed the need to put the premature campaign to rest while asking INEC to map out plans to counter the “illegality”.

He maintained that although the law doesn’t explicitly state the punishment for the violation, it remains illegal and as such should be brought before a court.

“If you fail to comply with the order of the court, you have committed contempt and you will go to jail,” he said.

He made the statement in response to Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, who mentioned that there is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election.

According to Yakubu, despite the obvious illegality, he cannot prosecute offenders, citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

However, Falana has challenged the electoral body to rectify the situation before it becomes a norm.

“The constitution, Paragraph F, Part 1, of the constitution says to monitor campaigns in line with rules and regulations prescribed by INEC.

“Section 95 empowers INEC to draft rules and regulations. Yet, INEC has not brought out rules and regulations to stop this illegality,” he added.

Two years before the 2027 election and political parties are already mapping out strategies and campaigning for the exercise, prompting concerns over the breach of the law.

Falana believes the move has sidestepped governance, asking INEC to seek legal advice over the matter before it becomes a full-blown problem.