As political activities gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s next general election, one principle must remain sacrosanct: the rule of law. Democracy derives its legitimacy not only from the outcome of elections but also from the fairness of the process that leads to them. Every political party, aspirant and supporter must therefore operate within the framework established by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the regulations issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The National Patriots has called on INEC to ensure that the Electoral Act is applied fairly, consistently and without fear or favour to every presidential aspirant and political party. According to the organisation, equal enforcement of electoral laws is fundamental to preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and guaranteeing a level playing field for all contestants.
The organisation noted that there is growing public discussion over whether certain political activities taking place across the country amount to premature electioneering before the official commencement of campaigns. While the determination of whether any particular activity constitutes unlawful campaigning is ultimately a matter for INEC and, where necessary, the courts, the National Patriots stressed that concerns raised by citizens deserve timely and transparent consideration by the electoral umpire.
Section 94 of the Electoral Act 2022 prescribes the period within which election campaigns may lawfully commence and requires that campaigns end 24 hours before polling day. The intention of the law is to create fairness, reduce undue advantage and ensure an orderly electoral process. The National Patriots therefore urged all political actors to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Act and conduct their activities accordingly.
According to the organisation, no aspirant should create the impression that compliance with electoral laws is optional or that some political actors are entitled to privileges unavailable to others. The rule of law must remain the foundation upon which Nigeria’s democracy continues to develop.
The National Patriots further observed that democratic politics should be driven primarily by ideas, policies and measurable records of performance. Nigerians are entitled to hear competing visions on economic reforms, insecurity, education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, agriculture, power supply and other issues that directly affect their daily lives. Elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to compare programmes and leadership philosophies rather than become dominated by personal hostility.
Across many established democracies, opposition parties subject governments to rigorous scrutiny and present alternative policies. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and India demonstrate that strong political competition can coexist with respect for democratic institutions and electoral rules. While political criticism is a legitimate component of democracy, responsible leadership also requires civility, restraint and adherence to applicable laws governing elections.
The National Patriots believes Nigeria should continue strengthening these democratic traditions by encouraging issue-based campaigns, constructive public debate and consistent enforcement of electoral regulations. Such an approach would enhance the credibility of future elections and reinforce citizens’ confidence in democratic governance.
The organisation said it had also received views from Nigerians across different professions who called for greater respect for the Electoral Act and a more issue-driven political environment.
A Kano-based businesswoman argued that every presidential aspirant should comply fully with the Electoral Act, adding that political leaders should devote more attention to presenting their vision and programmes than engaging in activities that could be perceived as premature electioneering. She also expressed the view that broad national acceptance remains an important consideration for anyone seeking Nigeria’s highest office.
A Lagos-based medical practitioner said political discourse should be conducted with greater civility, noting that respect for the Office of the President is consistent with democratic practice irrespective of political differences. He urged INEC to ensure that all aspirants comply with the Electoral Act and avoid actions capable of distracting governance before the official commencement of campaigns.
A professor of political science observed that mature democracies thrive on policy debates rather than personal attacks. According to him, presidential hopefuls should compete on ideas, records and practical solutions to national challenges, while the media should devote greater attention to scrutinising policy proposals than amplifying political rhetoric.
A legal practitioner maintained that where there are credible allegations that any aspirant has commenced campaigning outside the period prescribed by law, the appropriate course is to petition INEC for investigation and, where necessary, enforcement of the Electoral Act. He added that political criticism should remain factual, responsible and within the bounds of the law.
Editorial Viewpoint
Respect for the Office of the President is a cornerstone of every constitutional democracy. Citizens and political leaders are entitled to disagree with government decisions and subject public policies to rigorous scrutiny. However, democratic debate is best served when criticism remains factual, issue-based and directed at policies rather than personalities.
Election campaigns should begin when the law says they should begin. Where genuine concerns exist that political activities may have crossed into prohibited campaigning, the appropriate course is to bring those concerns before INEC for examination. If breaches are established, the Electoral Act should be enforced consistently against every political actor, irrespective of party, influence or popularity. Equal enforcement remains one of the strongest pillars of public confidence in democratic institutions.
The National Patriots therefore appealed to all political parties, aspirants, supporters, civil society organisations, religious bodies and the media to contribute to a peaceful, responsible and issue-driven political environment. The organisation urged Nigerians to reject violence, inflammatory rhetoric, political intolerance and misinformation while embracing constructive engagement founded on facts, respect for the rule of law and commitment to national unity.
Nigeria’s democracy will ultimately be judged not only by who wins elections but also by whether the journey to those elections reflects fairness, civility, equal justice and unwavering respect for the law. Those enduring principles remain the surest guarantee of credible elections, political stability and a stronger democratic future for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Princess G Fraser. MFR
President,The National Patriots.
Special Adviser to Former President Goodluck Jonathan.
