By Balarabe Oshiafi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a strategic partnership with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to tackle the persistent challenge of prohibitive costs and discriminatory access to public campaign advertising spaces ahead of the Anambra State Governorship election and other electoral activities.
The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the second quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Raising concern over a trend that has particularly disadvantaged opposition parties, Yakubu decried the use of incumbency powers to restrict access to public facilities such as state-owned media, public buildings, and open spaces. He cited reports of exorbitant charges for outdoor advertising and deliberate obstruction of political rallies and processions.
“These actions are a violation of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate,” he said.
To address the recurring issue, the Commission pledged to intensify collaboration with ARCON and IPAC to initiate possible legal action where evidence of such violations exists.
“The Commission will work with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and intensify our collaboration with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) for a possible legal action in the face of prima facie evidence of the violation of the law,” Yakubu stated firmly.
This move comes at a critical time as political campaigns for the November 8, 2025 Anambra Governorship election officially commenced two weeks ago. INEC had earlier published the final list of 16 candidates and their running mates for the election.
The INEC Chairman urged political parties to familiarize themselves with the Commission’s guidelines for meetings, rallies, and processions, warning that all political campaigns must be conducted in compliance with the law and in a manner that fosters equity and a level playing field.
Yakubu reiterated INEC’s commitment to transparent electoral processes and emphasized that the Commission would not tolerate any acts that undermine democratic competition, particularly those that weaponize access to media and advertising against political rivals.
The development is seen as a welcome intervention by several opposition party leaders, many of whom have long complained of being priced out of media platforms and locked out of state-owned campaign venues, especially in states governed by rival parties.
This initiative is expected to establish a more transparent and equitable environment for political communication, campaign publicity, and voter engagement as Anambra governorship election and 2027 general election gradually draw nearer.
