INEC has warned political parties in Akwa Ibom against early campaigns ahead of 2027 elections, threatening prosecution for violations
The Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission has cautioned political parties and politicians in Akwa Ibom State against engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The warning was issued on Wednesday by the Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, during a press briefing in the state.
Onuoha said the commission had observed widespread breaches of electoral guidelines, noting that most political parties in the state were already engaging in premature campaign activities despite the official ban still in place.
He warned that INEC would not hesitate to apply the full provisions of the law against any political actor found violating campaign regulations.
“I want to inform all the political parties and their supporters in Akwa Ibom that ban on campaigns have not been lifted,” he said.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner stressed that campaigning in violation of the Electoral Act would not be tolerated, urging political actors to operate strictly within legal frameworks to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
He also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering credible, free and fair elections in 2027.
Beyond campaign issues, Onuoha urged eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise to either register or collect their Permanent Voter Cards.
He disclosed that 163,635 PVCs had been collected across the first and second phases of the exercise in the state.
According to him, 76,534 cards were distributed in the first phase, while 87,101 were issued in the second phase, describing the turnout as low compared to the state’s population.
He added that the third phase of the registration exercise began on May 11 across all 31 local government areas of the state and will run until July 10.
The REC also advised citizens who registered in 2011 with defaced cards, as well as those who recently turned 18, to participate in the ongoing exercise, while warning against multiple registration.
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He further cautioned that electoral malpractice would not be tolerated, calling for cooperation from all stakeholders to strengthen the electoral process.
