INEC Raises Concerns Over Premature Campaigns Ahead of 2027 Elections; Officially Recognises David Mark-Led ADC Leadership
As
Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) has voiced its growing concern over the surge of
early political campaigns by various parties and candidates.
Despite clear stipulations in the Electoral Act regarding the timeline for electioneering, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu revealed that the commission is legally constrained from taking punitive action against politicians who have already begun campaigning. This legal limitation has sparked debate among stakeholders about the need for reform and stricter enforcement mechanisms to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
In a
related development, INEC has officially recognised the new leadership of the
African Democratic Congress (ADC), now helmed by former Senate President David
Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. This recognition,
confirmed on September 10, 2025, marks a significant shift in the party’s
structure and signals its readiness to play a more prominent role in the
upcoming elections.
The ADC
had previously faced speculation and media reports suggesting that INEC had
refused to acknowledge its new leadership. However, the party swiftly dismissed
these claims, affirming that David Mark remains its legitimate interim national
chairman. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesperson, urged Nigerians to
disregard misleading narratives and instead focus on the broader mission of
national transformation. He emphasized that the ADC’s leadership transition was
part of a strategic move to unify opposition forces and present a formidable challenge
to the ruling party in 2027.
This
development follows a July 2025 coalition effort led by opposition figures,
including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who rallied support for the ADC
as a unified platform to contest the next presidential election. The party’s
national leadership reportedly stepped down to allow the coalition to appoint
new interim executives, further solidifying David Mark’s position at the helm.
With
INEC’s recognition now official and the ADC positioning itself as a central
opposition force, the political landscape ahead of 2027 is beginning to take
shape. Yet, the issue of premature campaigns remains a thorny challenge,
raising questions about the effectiveness of current electoral laws and the
need for proactive oversight.
As the
countdown to the next election continues, Nigerians will be watching closely to
see how these dynamics unfold.
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