Age, health concerns and campaign costs have been cited as possible reasons political parties are yet to begin nationwide presidential campaigns, despite INEC’s August 19 commencement date.
INEC’s official timetable released Feb 26, 2026 says presidential and National Assembly campaigns commenced August 19, 2026 and ends January 14, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly campaigns run Sept 9, 2026 – Feb 4, 2027. The Presidential Peace Accord was signed August 18.
But 94 days to the Jan 16, 2027 poll:
- Official campaigns are shy: INEC notes many parties have not commenced serious campaigns, except for consultative meetings and constitution of campaign councils. http://Leadership.ng reports “though both the presidential and National Assembly elections campaigns kicked off on August 19, many political parties have not commenced serious campaigns”
- Proxies mobilising instead: What you see are jingles, billboards, support groups, NGOs and social media influencers as fronts. INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Zuru warned that associations, professional groups, religious groups and influencers are used to circumvent Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act. Proxies like Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Tinubu Fisabilillah 2027, and state-based grassroots mobilisation networks are doing the work.
- Costs: Stakeholders say early campaigning tilts the field in favour of big-money politicians and raises the cost of competition. Daily Trust noted “On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, one of the world’s most expensive job interviews officially commenced.” The 150-day march is being stretched.
- Age and health questions: Atiku (who will be 80+ on Election Day) and Tinubu (73) are both facing scrutiny. Atiku claimed in a BBC interview “We have a president who is 90 years old now and who is sick. I am healthy; I am strong” and said he has evidence to present in court.
What is happening now:
- APC: Director-General Abdulaziz Yari said after meeting Tinubu that the Presidential Campaign Council inauguration will be Oct 14 at State House Banquet Hall, flag-off Oct 24 in Kaduna, then Port Harcourt and Maiduguri.
- ADC: Chairman David Mark has inaugurated its Presidential Campaign Council chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, urging members to go to every ward.
- NPC warning: The National Peace Committee chaired by Abdulsalami Abubakar and Matthew Kukah has recorded 60 election-related incidents in one month and warned Tinubu, Atiku, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde and others against inflammatory campaigns.