The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fired a stern warning to political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over what it calls unauthorised and illegal electioneering ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With political posters flooding streets and subtle campaigns already underway across the country, INEC has declared the move as a clear violation of the Electoral Act — and vowed that it will not sit idly by.

INEC Chairman’s spokesperson, Rotimi Oyekanmi, didn’t mince words during an interview in Abuja. “Let me be clear: INEC has not released the timetable or schedule of activities for the 2027 elections. No party primaries have been held. No candidates have been nominated. Any form of open campaigning at this point is illegal,” he said.

Quoting the Electoral Act 2022, Oyekanmi reminded political parties that campaigns are only allowed 150 days before polling day and must stop 24 hours before voting begins — a window yet to be activated by INEC.

He emphasized that while Nigerians are free to discuss politics and speculate about 2027, open canvassing for votes or campaign rallies at this stage is not just premature — it’s unlawful.

INEC also revealed that the matter had been raised during its last quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, stressing that it expects total compliance from all actors going forward.

As tensions rise and political gladiators begin jostling for 2027, INEC has made it clear: any party that jumps the gun will face the full weight of the law.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has officially declared his intention to seek re-election for a second term in office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Oyebanji made the announcement on Monday during a meeting with members of the APC State Working Committee at the party’s secretariat in Ado-Ekiti.

The governor’s declaration marks the beginning of his re-election campaign ahead of the 2026 governorship polls, as he seeks to consolidate on his first-term achievements.

Storm is brewing from inside the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-Eastern part of the Country as key Party stakeholders across the region are warning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that if he wants to retain the North-East in the next election, he must drop Vice President Kashim Shettima from the ticket.

Their message is blunt: the Vice President has become a symbol of exclusion, not unity.

“He’s turned the entire North-East into a Borno-only project,” said Hajia Hadiza Aliyu, a prominent APC voice in Bauchi.

“This is not what we voted for.”

Party chieftains from Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe say Shettima has marginalised five out of six North-East states — concentrating federal appointments, opportunities, and influence solely in his native Borno State.

“We fought hard for APC in 2023, but look around — nothing came back to us,” said Alhaji Usman Gieri from Adamawa. “No appointments, no recognition. It’s Borno or nothing.”

From Gombe, Mr. Garba Tijani minced no words:

“He’s building an empire in Borno and treating the rest of us as second-class citizens.”

Tensions exploded when Vice President Shettima reportedly overruled the appointment of Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu (Gombe) as Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) — bringing back Borno’s Mohammed Alkali Goni, whose tenure had already ended.

Critics say the move was not only illegal — it violated the rotational clause in the NEDC Act — but also showcased Shettima’s “Borno-first” approach.

“That was the final straw,” said Aminu Mustapha in Adamawa. “He hijacked the NEDC and handed it back to his inner circle.”

Across the region, APC loyalists are growing restless. Some are defecting quietly, others voicing their frustration loudly.

From Taraba, Hon. Jonathan Albert revealed:

“Party members are leaving daily. What’s the point of staying loyal when there’s no reward?”

In Michika, Adamawa, Mr. Michael Zira added:

“Shettima is out of touch. His own state is the only one singing his praises — the rest of us have moved on.”

Discontent is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a recent zonal meeting in Gombe, where Vice President Kashim Shettima failed to secure broad regional backing for 2027.

Only delegates from his home state, Borno, offered open support, while representatives from the remaining five North-East states pointedly withheld endorsement.

“The silence was deafening,” said Bakura Idris Zana, a party chieftain from Yobe. “It sent a clear message — Shettima has lost his base.”

The quiet revolt has placed President Bola Tinubu in a political dilemma. Though Shettima remains a loyal ally, many within the party no longer view him as a strategic asset in the North-East, a region instrumental to the APC’s 2023 victory.

As preparations begin for the next election cycle, the message from the zone is unambiguous: replace Shettima on the ticket or risk losing the North-East stronghold.