POLITICS
2027 Elections: 5 Costly Political Mistakes Politicians Must Avoid in Abia, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom , Rivers, Edo, Lagos, Bayelsa, FCT | No 2 & 5 Very Costly
2027 Elections: 5 Costly Political Mistakes Politicians Must Avoid in Abia, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom , Rivers, Edo, Lagos, Bayelsa, FCT | No 2 & 5 Very Costly
Every second brings Nigerians closer to exercising their democratic right and shaping the future of our nation.
Exercise your democratic right responsibly, peacefully and lawfully.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, politicians and campaign organisations operating in Abia, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom , Rivers, Edo, Lagos, Bayelsa and the Federal Capital Territory are being reminded that poor campaign conduct could seriously undermine public confidence and weaken their electoral prospects.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has already stressed the importance of lawful, peaceful and issue-based campaigning. Under INEC’s 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, campaigns are expected to focus on party programmes, policies and projects contained in their constitutions and manifestoes, while complying with applicable electoral regulations.
Channel
Against this background, here are five major campaign mistakes politicians should avoid.
1. Depending on Propaganda and Unverified Information
One major mistake is building a campaign around rumours, fabricated allegations or information that cannot be independently verified.
With social media playing an increasingly important role in Nigerian politics, inaccurate information can travel rapidly. However, the same digital environment makes it easier for misleading claims to be challenged and exposed.
INEC has specifically warned that misinformation, disinformation and deliberate distortion can undermine the integrity of the electoral process, while urging political actors and the media to promote accurate information.
Candidates who want to build sustainable public confidence therefore need to ensure that their campaign messages are supported by facts.
2. Underestimating Local Issues and Voter Concerns
Nigeria may conduct national elections under one electoral framework, but the political realities confronting residents are not identical across states.
The concerns raised by communities in Abia may differ considerably from those in Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State. The priorities of voters in Edo may equally differ from those confronting residents of Lagos, Abuja or Bayelsa.
A campaign that relies almost entirely on national slogans while failing to engage with local concerns risks appearing disconnected from the people it seeks to represent.
Candidates should therefore be prepared to clearly explain their policies on issues affecting the particular communities they hope to serve.
3. Making Promises Without a Clear Implementation Plan
Another damaging political strategy is announcing numerous campaign promises without explaining how they will be implemented.
Promises relating to infrastructure, employment, healthcare, education, security and economic development may attract attention, but voters and civic organisations increasingly have opportunities to scrutinise whether proposed programmes are realistic.
A stronger democratic campaign should explain what a candidate intends to do, how the programme would be funded, the expected implementation timeline and how citizens would be able to hold the administration accountable.
INEC’s regulations describe political campaigns as a platform through which programmes, policies, projects and, where applicable, achievements are presented to voters.
4. Using Intimidation, Violence or Inflammatory Rhetoric
Political violence remains one of the most dangerous practices associated with elections.
Candidates and their supporters who resort to intimidation, threats or inflammatory rhetoric risk damaging the democratic process and creating unnecessary tension within communities.
INEC has repeatedly called on political parties and their supporters to refrain from violence, hate speech, vote buying, misinformation and disinformation. The Commission has also urged parties to conduct peaceful campaigns and credible primaries.
Campaign organisations must therefore ensure that supporters, volunteers and political structures operate peacefully and within the law.
5. Ignoring Electoral Regulations and Campaign Procedures
Perhaps one of the most avoidable mistakes is failing to properly understand the rules governing political campaigns.
INEC’s 2026 guidelines provide that political campaigns should take place within the legally approved campaign period. They also contain procedures covering campaign schedules and compliance with relevant regulations.
INEC has stated that campaigns for the 2027 elections must comply with the statutory timetable and applicable electoral laws, while warning political parties to adhere strictly to established timelines.
Political organisations operating in Abia, Rivers, Edo, Lagos, Bayelsa and the FCT therefore need competent legal, administrative and electoral compliance teams rather than treating campaign regulations as an afterthought.
The Bigger Political Lesson
As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 general elections, the contest will not simply be about posters, rallies and political slogans.
Public scrutiny, digital communication, community engagement, policy debates and compliance with electoral regulations will all form part of the political environment.
For candidates across Abia, Port Harcourt/Rivers, Edo, Lagos, Abuja and Bayelsa, avoiding misinformation, violence, unrealistic promises, disregard for local concerns and breaches of electoral regulations can contribute to a more credible campaign and a healthier democratic process.
INEC has announced February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6, 2027 for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, subject to the Commission’s official electoral framework and any legally applicable changes.
The message is simple: credibility, lawful conduct and clear policies will matter increasingly as Nigerians examine those seeking public office.