The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the growing trend of campaign-style billboards and posters mounted by politicians across major cities, describing the development as a clear violation of the Electoral Act.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute (TEI), Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, issued the warning on Wednesday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ roundtable on the challenges of premature political campaigns.

According to him, early campaigns are increasingly disguised as gestures of “appreciation” or “philanthropy” but are now visible through billboards, social media promotions, and public gatherings.

In recent weeks, campaign posters projecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term have surfaced in Dutse, Abuja, Lagos, and other cities. Similar billboards featuring former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have also been sighted, particularly in northern states.

The next general election is scheduled for 2027. INEC reiterated that Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 strictly prohibits political campaigns from commencing earlier than 150 days before polling day and requires that they end 24 hours before voting begins.