Nigeria’s political campaign environment is regulated by law and by public expectations.
If you are running for office or managing a candidate, understanding the standards is not optional , it is what separates a credible campaign from one that INEC can sanction.
Here is a practical guide based on the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC Guidelines:
The Legal Backbone Every Politician Must Know
Campaign Timeframe: Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 is clear , campaigns shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before the election.
Campaigning before INEC releases the timetable is considered premature and illegal.
There is also a 24- hours blackout before voting , no rallies, no media adverts, no canvassing.
Language and Conduct: Section 92 forbids any campaign or slogan tainted with abusive language or that is likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.
Violence and Threats: Section 93 prohibits direct or indirect threat or use of force or violence during any political campaign to compel support.
Campaign Finance: The Act places limits on spending — ₦5 billion for presidential, ₦1 billion for governorship and lower for other offices ,and gives INEC power to demand information on donations and source of funds.
Anonymous donations and foreign funding are prohibited.
Best Practice Principles for Nigerian Campaigns
Issue-Based Messaging: Nigerians are tired of personality attacks. Frame your campaign around a clear manifesto: What will you do for security, jobs, education, power, and agriculture in your constituency?
Use data from your LGA/State.
Inclusivity and Federal Character Sensitivity: A winning campaign in Nigeria speaks to all groups in the area. Avoid profiling. Have speakers and materials in major local languages , Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Pidgin, and the dominant language of your ward.
Structure and Accountability: Have a Campaign Council, a written calendar, a budget, and a compliance officer who tracks INEC rules and spending limits.
Grassroots Engagement, Not Just Crowd Renting: Door-to-door, town halls, market visits, traditional ruler courtesy visits, and small community dialogues build more trust than only massive rallies.
Transparency: Publicly declare your assets as required, keep records of donations, and issue receipts.
It protects you if INEC audits you.
Respect for Institutions: Do not obstruct INEC officials, security agencies, or opponents’ campaigns. Do not tear down opponents’ posters.
Safety First: Every rally must have a medical team, crowd control plan, and clear entry/exit routes.
The DOs – What You SHOULD Do
Do start only when INEC says so. Wait for the official timetable. Organize policy workshops and voter register mobilization before then, not open canvassing for votes.
Do get permits: Get written permission from police, state government, and venue owners for rallies. Inform INEC and security agencies.
Do submit your materials to your party’s legal team: Ensure jingles, billboards and handbills comply with NBC codes and do not contain hate speech.
Do train your supporters and marshals: No campaign thugs. Use accredited volunteer marshals in branded vests.
Do focus on voters, not just crowds: Voter education, how to check PVC, how to vote properly, non-violence is a high-value message.
Do keep rallies timed: In Nigeria’s heat and security context, 2-3 hours maximum. Start on time. Respect people’s farming/trading hours
Do include women, youth and PWDs: Give them speaking roles, not just crowd roles.
The DON’Ts – What Will Get You Sanctioned or Rejected
This is where many politicians fail:
Don’t campaign early or during blackout. INEC has repeatedly warned that perpetual campaign mode undermines the law.
Stop all campaign 24 hours to election.
Don’t use abusive, religious or ethnic slurs. No “We vs Them” based on tribe or religion.
It violates Section 92 and fuels violence.
Don’t use violence, intimidation or vote-buying. No thugs, no weapons at rallies, no sharing money, food or wrappers at rally ground to induce votes EFCC and INEC monitor this.
Don’t destroy or deface opponents’ materials. It is an electoral offence.
Don’t use state resources if you are an incumbent: No official vehicles, no civil servants for campaign, no closing public schools/offices for rallies.
Don’t make impossible promises: “I will make Naira equal to Dollar in one month” erodes trust. Make measurable, constitutional promises
remember a Governor cannot build a refinery alone, a Senator cannot construct federal roads alone.
Don’t block public roads or hold rallies in worship centres or schools during sessions. Respect public order.
Don’t exceed spending limits or hide foreign donors. You will be required to account.
Standards for a Proper Rally in Nigeria
Before: Site inspection, police notification, PA system test, ambulance on standby, no hate musicians.
During:
Opening prayer respecting diversity
National anthem, party anthem
Clear moderation — no vulgar comedians or incitement
Candidate speaks to issues, not insults
Time for questions if possible
No live ammunition display by security
After: Clean venue, account for injuries if any, thank host community and traditional institutions, share official summary of what was promised.
Media and Digital Campaign Standards
All online ads must be clearly labelled as political.
No deepfakes, fake INEC results, or doctored videos of opponents.
Respect NBC rule: No political advert on broadcast media 24 hours before election.
Have a fact-check desk to respond quickly.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
+2348069596250
