Eleanor Finch
Political campaigns in Nigeria are highly regulated by the country's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, INEC announced that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections would commence on September 28, 2022, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections would begin on October 12, 2022. This marked the start of an intense period of political rallies and campaigning across the country, with candidates and their supporters promoting their agendas and seeking to persuade voters ahead of the upcoming elections. The regulatory framework for these campaigns is strict, with laws prohibiting the use of abusive language, the promotion of violence, and campaigning in certain places such as religious worship areas. With a history of regional and ethnic-based political parties, Nigeria's electoral body has also implemented measures to prevent this, encouraging a more unified democratic representation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of commencement of political campaigns | 28 September 2022 |
| Date of commencement of campaigns for governorship and state houses of assembly | 12 October 2022 |
| Last date of campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections | 23 February 2023 |
| Last date of campaigns for governorship and state houses of assembly elections | 9 March 2023 |
| Date of presidential and National Assembly elections | 25 February 2023 |
| Date of Governorship and State House of Assembly elections | 11 March 2023 |
| Duration of campaigns | 150 days |
| End time of campaigns before election | 24 hours |
| Laws governing campaigns | Electoral Act 2022, Sections 91-97 |
| Regulatory body | Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) |
| Previous regulatory frameworks | Electoral Act 2010, Clifford Constitution of 1923 |
| First political party | Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) |
| Year of formation of first political party | 1923 |
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What You'll Learn
The 2023 general elections in Nigeria
The incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari will not be running for re-election, as he has reached his constitutional limit of two four-year terms. All 18 registered political parties are fielding candidates, with a total of 15,309 people contesting for seats at the national and state levels. However, the election is expected to be a tight contest between the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the main opposition, the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP). The APC has selected a southern Muslim, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as its presidential candidate, while the PDP has chosen a northerner and former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubkar, as its candidate.
The 2023 elections in Nigeria are notable for several reasons. Firstly, for the first time in 23 years, the country appears to be moving away from the rotational principle, which prioritises identities in determining the emergence of candidates. Secondly, there is a recent rush by young Nigerians and other usually excluded groups to register as voters, which is a positive signal for democratic participation. Thirdly, the excessive use of money in politics may deprive capable individuals, particularly women, youths, and persons with disabilities, of the opportunity to run for elective positions. Finally, the influence of religion and ethnic identities in politics remains a significant factor in the elections, with both major parties considering these factors in their selection of candidates.
The election campaigns officially began on September 28, 2022, and are set to last for 150 days or five months, ending 24 hours before the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has outlined laws and guidelines in the Electoral Act 2022 that candidates, political parties, and their supporters must follow during the campaign season. These laws include restrictions on the use of religious worship places, police stations, and public offices for political campaigns and rallies, as well as prohibitions on the use of abusive language towards any religion, ethnicity, or tribe.
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The role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a federal executive body established by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is tasked with organizing elections for various political offices in the country. INEC has a decentralized structure, with offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a presence in the 774 local government areas of the federation. The commission's independence is guaranteed by the constitution, which also provides for its funding.
INEC plays a crucial role in regulating the electoral process in Nigeria. It establishes the rules and guidelines that political parties and candidates must follow during campaigns. For instance, the Electoral Act 2022, Sections 91-97, outlines the laws pertaining to campaign duration, conduct, and offences. INEC's role is to ensure that all participants adhere to these regulations, promoting a fair and peaceful campaign season.
The commission is also responsible for maintaining a positive relationship with the media. It works closely with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) to ensure that media coverage of candidates during elections adheres to the relevant codes and regulations. INEC's transparency and effective communication with stakeholders have been credited with preventing violence during elections.
Additionally, INEC plays a key role in the security arrangements for campaigns and elections. The commission coordinates with law enforcement agencies to provide adequate security for rallies and processions, as outlined in Section 91(1) of the Electoral Act.
INEC's overall role is to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. By establishing and enforcing rules, fostering transparency, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders, the commission aims to create a level playing field for all participants and enhance the public's trust in the democratic process.
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Laws and regulations for political campaigns
The laws and regulations for political campaigns in Nigeria are outlined in the country's Electoral Act. The Act provides a framework for the conduct of political campaigns, rallies, and processions, with the aim of ensuring a smooth and peaceful election process. Here are some key laws and regulations that govern political campaigns in Nigeria:
- Duration of Campaigns: According to Section 94 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the campaign period for the 2023 elections officially started on September 28, 2022, and was set to last for 150 days or five months. This duration is mandated to provide all political parties and candidates with a level playing field and ensure that campaigns do not unduly influence voters for an extended period. The campaigns must end 24 hours before the election, as per the Act.
- Prohibited Conduct: The Electoral Act prohibits certain behaviours during political campaigns. Section 92 (3) stipulates that religious places of worship, police stations, and public offices are not to be used for political campaigns, rallies, or processions. Section 93 (2a) and (2b) outline penalties for any candidate or political party that uses force or violence to compel or prevent a person from supporting a particular political party or candidate. Fines and imprisonment are stipulated as punishments for such offences.
- Security Measures: The Act also addresses security during campaigns. Section 91 (1) mandates that the Commissioner of Police in each state and the Federal Capital Territory provide adequate security for political rallies and processions. This ensures the safety of all participants and helps maintain peace during the election process.
- Campaign Finance: Campaign financing is an important aspect regulated by the Electoral Act. Sections 121 (Bribery and Conspiracy) and 127 (Undue Influence) criminalize vote-trading and prohibit the buying and selling of voters' cards. These provisions aim to prevent corruption and ensure a fair electoral process.
- Media Usage: According to Section 100 (2) of the Act, state apparatus, including the media, should not be employed to favour or disadvantage any political party or candidate during elections. This regulation promotes equal opportunities for all candidates and parties in reaching voters through the media.
- Peaceful Resolution of Venue Clashes: In the event of a venue clash during campaigns, Section 91 (4) states that the police must settle the matter peacefully without the use of force. This provision encourages a harmonious environment for all parties to campaign without resorting to violence.
It is important to note that these laws and regulations are subject to change over time, and updates may be made to the Electoral Act. Additionally, while there may be challenges in enforcing these regulations, Nigeria's law enforcement agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and other anti-corruption agencies play a crucial role in upholding these laws to ensure fair and transparent political campaigns.
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The short campaign period in Nigeria
The 2023 general elections in Nigeria are scheduled for February 25, 2023, with the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections following on March 11, 2023. The campaign period for these elections began on September 28, 2022, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and on October 12, 2022, for the Governorship and State Assembly elections. This means that the campaign period in Nigeria lasts for approximately five months or 150 days, as outlined in Section 94 (1) of the country's Electoral Act 2022.
Additionally, the short campaign period may not provide enough time for candidates to physically visit all the places where they need to garner votes. While social media platforms have become important tools for reaching voters, there is still value in face-to-face interactions and town hall meetings, which may be sacrificed due to time constraints.
To comply with the law, all political campaigns and rallies must end 24 hours before election day. This means that for the 2023 elections, campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will end at midnight on February 23, 2023, while campaigns for the Governorship and State Assembly elections will end at midnight on March 9, 2023.
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The history of political campaigns in Nigeria
Political campaigns in Nigeria have evolved over the years, with the country's history of colonial rule, democratic transitions, and military coups shaping the electoral landscape. The first political party of note, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), was formed in 1923 by Herbert Macaulay to compete for legislative seats in the Lagos Legislative Council. However, the NNDP primarily had a nationalist agenda, seeking Nigeria's independence.
In 1954, Nigeria held its first general elections, marking the beginning of intense campaign funding in the country. Private financing was the primary source of campaign funds, and the lack of regulations allowed for extravagant and corrupt spending. The 1959 elections saw the emergence of regional parties such as the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) and the Northern People's Congress (NPC).
Nigeria gained independence from British rule in 1960, and the NPC-led coalition won the parliamentary elections, leading to Tafawa Balewa becoming the prime minister. However, the country's first republic (1960-1963) was short-lived, as it was overthrown in 1966, marking the start of 13 years of military rule. During this period, various decrees were enacted, including bans on political parties and the establishment of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to oversee elections.
The return to democracy in 1979 brought multiparty polls, and the 1983 elections featured two prominent parties: the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). However, another military coup that same year disrupted the democratic process once more.
In the transition to democratic representation, the 1998-99 Nigeria Elections stood out for moving away from campaigns along ethnic or regional lines. The use of helicopters for skywriting and distributing promotional materials marked a new chapter in the country's campaign strategies.
More recently, the 2023 general elections have brought attention to the short campaign periods allowed by law, with the Electoral Act 2022 mandating a 150-day campaign period for the 2023 elections. This timeframe has been criticised as insufficient, particularly for presidential candidates aiming to cover the entire country. As a result, candidates often resort to negative tactics and focus on why their opponents should not be elected rather than emphasising their own merits.
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Frequently asked questions
Political campaigns for the 2023 general election in Nigeria started on September 28, 2022.
According to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns in Nigeria can last up to 150 days. They must end 24 hours before the election.
The 2023 general election in Nigeria will be held on February 25, 2023, with the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections following on March 11, 2023.
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