INEC Warns Politicians Against Early 2027 Campaigns In Akwa Ibom

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and politicians in Akwa Ibom State against engaging in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Anugbum Onuoha, gave the warning during a press briefing on Wednesday, stating that several political parties in the state had already begun activities considered premature under the Electoral Act.

According to him, the commission has not lifted the ban on political campaigns, stressing that any party or politician found violating the law risks prosecution.

He said INEC would not hesitate to apply the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act against individuals or parties involved in unlawful campaigning.

“I want to inform all political parties and their supporters in Akwa Ibom that the ban on campaigns has not been lifted. Campaigns conducted in violation of the Electoral Act will not be tolerated,” he stated.

The REC also reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring credible, free, and fair elections in 2027.

Speaking on voter registration, Onuoha urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to register or collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He disclosed that a total of 163,635 PVCs had been collected during the first and second phases of the exercise in the state, describing the turnout as poor compared to the population and number of registered voters in Akwa Ibom.

According to him, 76,534 PVCs were collected during the first phase, while 87,101 were distributed in the second phase.

The INEC official further revealed that the third phase of the CVR exercise began on May 11 across all 31 local government areas of the state and is expected to end on July 10.

He encouraged eligible residents, especially those who turned 18 after the previous registration exercise or those with damaged voter cards, to register, while warning against double registration.

Onuoha also cautioned political stakeholders against all forms of electoral malpractice, calling for cooperation to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process in the state.