Kwara Group Petitions INEC Over Alleged Early Campaign Activities by APC

The Kwara Transparency and Accountability Initiative (KTAI) has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it described as alleged premature and sustained campaign activities by the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The petition, dated August 10, 2026 and addressed to the Chairman of INEC at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, was received by the Office of the INEC Chairman on the same date, according to the copy of the document obtained.

KTAI, which described itself as a civic accountability and democratic governance advocacy organisation, said it was drawing the Commission’s attention to what it termed a “deliberate, coordinated and sustained violation” of the Electoral Act by the ruling APC chapter in the state.

The organisation said its major concern was the alleged commencement of open political campaigns before the legally stipulated campaign period for the 2027 general election.

According to the petition, the alleged activities include open political campaigns, rallies, political tours, public endorsements and the promotion of political candidates across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State.

KTAI argued that such activities amounted to campaigning outside the period permitted by law and urged INEC to examine the allegations and take appropriate action where violations are established.

The group’s petition specifically titled the matter as a complaint against the Kwara State APC for alleged “flagrant violation of the Electoral Act” through the commencement of open political campaigning and rallies ahead of the Commission’s stipulated campaign period for the 2027 general election.

The organisation said the alleged activities were not isolated incidents but appeared to form part of a coordinated pattern across the state.

KTAI’s intervention comes as political activities and alignments intensify across Kwara ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties and aspirants increasingly engaging supporters and stakeholders.

The group’s petition now places the allegations before INEC, which is responsible for regulating the electoral process and enforcing applicable electoral laws and regulations.

The petition does not, however, establish that the APC or any individual mentioned in connection with the alleged activities has been found guilty of violating the Electoral Act. The allegations remain subject to investigation and determination by the appropriate authorities.

KTAI urged INEC to consider the complaint and take steps it deems necessary to ensure compliance with the law and preserve a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.