IMPACT OF EARLY CAMPAIGNING ON GOVERNANCE AND POLICY DELIVERY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Abstract

In recent years, Nigeria has experienced a consistent pattern of early campaigning
in the election cycle, which influences the political behaviour of elites. This poses a serious threat
to democratic governance and service delivery in Nigeria. The paper critically analyses the
phenomenon of early campaigning and mobilisation by political aspirants and their supporters
before the official campaign period begins. It examines how ruling parties and opposition groups
use early campaigning tactics without regard for existing electoral laws. Public Choice Theory and
Good Governance Theory were adopted as the theoretical frameworks of analysis. Secondary data
collected from internet sources, journals, official documents, including NBS release, foreign and
local newspapers, legal documents, and academic literature were analysed, using the content
analysis method to identify macro-governance constraints and policy gaps that hinder the
realisation of democratic benefits in Nigeria. Evidence from other democracies was compared to
Nigeria’s experience to extract lessons. The findings indicate that early campaigning has had a
negative impact on governance and service delivery, exploiting weaknesses in the Constitution
and the Electoral Act 2022. This phenomenon has impacted public funds and eroded the
foundations of governance and service delivery objectives. The paper concludes with policy and
institutional recommendations aimed at closing legal loopholes and ensuring strict compliance
with electoral laws in Nigeria, particularly by strengthening INEC’s capacity to enforce these laws
and prevent distractions from governance and service delivery.