The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to political aspirants in Nasarawa state against premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections. The warning came from the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Shehu Wahab, during a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday in Lafia.
Wahab expressed concern over the “disturbing indiscriminate abuse of campaign posters and billboards by aspirants before the official campaign period.” He stated that such actions are a violation of electoral laws and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
The meeting was held to prepare for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 18. INEC is using the opportunity to remind political actors of the rules and to ensure a level playing field for all participants as preparations for the next general elections begin.
“This not only undermines the electoral process but also sets a precedent that can erode the standards of 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 said mobilising citizens for the CVR was the responsibility of the commission and frowned upon politicians sponsoring advertisements in that regard.
“There is an aspirant who sponsored an advertisement and produced jingles, calling on the people to turn out for the CVR.
“The worst part is that the aspirant clearly mentioned his aspiration for the 2027 election in the advertisement and jingles,” he said.
Wahab said that the online pre-registration of the CVR would commence on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, while the in-person registration would start on Aug. 25.
He explained that the exercise complied with the law to ensure that every eligible citizen had their name in the voter register.
“The idea of CVR is deliberately crafted to allow for voter mobility, correction of details and fresh registrations for those who did not do so before or those who turned 18 after the last exercise,” he said.
The REC further urged stakeholders to advice residents in the state against underage registration and multiple registration, adding that anyone caught would face sanctions.
He also urged the public to take advantage of the exercise instead of waiting for the end to ask for an extension of time.
Similarly, INEC Director of Operations in the state, Sale El-Mahmoud, said that the exercise would begin from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the INEC headquarters in Lafia and in the 13 Local Government Areas in the state.
El-Mahmoud added that INEC personnel would be at the designated centers from Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays.
He explained that the exercise would include fresh registration, voter transfer, update of voter information, replacement of lost Permanent Voter’s Cards and defaced or damaged cards.
