INEC warns against premature campaigns in Nasarawa ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political aspirants in Nasarawa State to desist from premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Shehu Wahab, issued the warning on Thursday in Lafia during a stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise scheduled to begin on Monday, August 18.

Wahab expressed concern over “the disturbing indiscriminate abuse of campaign posters and billboards” by some aspirants before the official campaign period, stressing that such actions undermine the electoral process and set a dangerous precedent for political conduct in the country.

“As stakeholders, you must collectively advocate for adherence to the electoral guidelines and promote a culture of respect for the democratic process,” he said.

The REC also frowned at politicians sponsoring advertisements to mobilise citizens for the CVR, citing an aspirant who used jingles to call for registration while openly declaring his 2027 ambition.

He announced that online pre-registration for the CVR will commence on August 18, 2025, with in-person registration starting on August 25 at INEC headquarters in Lafia and across the 13 local government areas of the state.

Wahab urged stakeholders to discourage underage and multiple registrations, warning that violators would face sanctions. He also advised residents to use the registration window instead of waiting until the end to request an extension.

Similarly, INEC’s Director of Operations in the state, Sale El-Mahmoud, said the exercise would run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays.

Services will include fresh registration, voter transfers, updating of details, and replacement of lost, defaced or damaged Permanent Voter’s Cards.