INEC warns parties not to launch premature campaigns in Akwa Ibom.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties and politicians in Akwa Ibom State that the campaign ban remains in force ahead of the 2027 elections.

Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, the Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC, said at a press conference on Wednesday that almost every party in the state is engaging in premature campaigning.

The REC warned that the commission will invoke all applicable provisions of existing law to prosecute any party that continues such premature activities.

He also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering credible, free and fair elections in 2027.

“I want to inform all political parties and their supporters in Akwa Ibom that the ban on campaigns has not been lifted. Campaigning in violation of the Electoral Act will not be tolerated by the commission, and all political actors are expected to operate within the law to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process,” he said.

While urging citizens to take advantage of the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to either register or collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC), the REC noted that 163,635 PVCs have been collected in the first two phases in the state.

He pointed out that 76,534 cards were distributed in the first phase and 87,101 in the second phase, describing the numbers as low given the state’s large number of registrants and population.

Onuoha said the third phase began on 11 May across all 31 Local Government Areas and will run until 10 July.

He urged individuals who registered in 2011 but whose cards were defaced, as well as those who were under 18 at that time, to use this opportunity to register, while warning against double registration.

The REC also warned that any form of electoral malpractice will not be tolerated and called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the commission for better service delivery.