Evidence · Rules and law

Rule

what the Electoral Act 2026 forbids in campaign speech

Figures below refer to 18 February 2026 unless stated otherwise.

The claim

The Electoral Act 2026, signed 18 February 2026, constrains campaign content and these provisions bind individuals, not only parties.

Figures

Section 96(1)–(2) prohibits campaigning with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings, and slanderous or base language designed or likely to provoke violent reaction. Section 96(7): up to ₦5,000,000 or 12 months for an individual candidate or aspirant, ₦10,000,000 for a political party. Section 101 makes campaigning based on religious, tribal or sectional reason an offence — ₦3m–₦5m for an individual, ₦30m–₦50m for a party. Section 99(2)–(5) bars use of state apparatus, including state media, to advantage or disadvantage a party. Campaign spending limits under section 92: President ₦10bn, Governor ₦3bn, Senate ₦500m, House of Representatives ₦250m, State Assembly ₦100m, Area Council Chair ₦100m, Councillor ₦10m. Section 92(8): no individual or entity may donate more than ₦500,000,000 to a candidate.

The counter-argument

The Act does not separately regulate internet or social media campaigning, but sections 96, 100 and 101 are drafted around publishing and campaign material, and apply to online publication by their terms.

Sources

Ask about this →