Falana Urges Halt to Early Campaigns, Warns of Governance Breakdown
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called for an immediate halt to early political campaigns in Nigeria, warning that the practice is undermining governance and worsening the country’s security challenges.
Falana expressed concern that politicians have begun mobilising and campaigning far ahead of the timeline stipulated by the Electoral Act. According to him, the development distracts elected officials from their primary responsibility of governance and threatens the stability of the country’s democratic process.
He noted that early campaigns not only violate provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act but also shift the focus of public office holders from addressing pressing national issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and infrastructure development.
Falana stressed that governance should remain the priority of those currently in office, adding that the rush by political actors to begin campaigns prematurely sends a negative signal about the seriousness of leadership in the country.
The senior advocate warned that if the trend continues unchecked, it could lead to a breakdown in governance, as government institutions and officials may become overly preoccupied with political ambitions instead of delivering on their mandates.
He therefore urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to enforce electoral laws strictly and ensure that political parties and aspirants adhere to the officially approved campaign timetable.
Falana also called on political leaders to place national interest above personal ambition and focus on policies and programmes that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
Observers say the growing concern over premature political activities highlights the need for stronger enforcement of electoral regulations to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process.
