ARCON cautions political parties over unapproved campaign advertisements

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has warned political parties, aspirants, support groups and other stakeholders against publishing or sponsoring unapproved political advertisements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council said all political campaign advertisements, whether placed on traditional media or digital platforms, must comply with Nigeria’s advertising laws and ethical standards.

ARCON Director-General, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, said the regulatory body had commenced sensitisation and enforcement efforts to ensure that political advertising during the electoral season complies with the Nigerian Code of Advertising and other applicable regulations.

Fadolapo urged political parties, candidates, campaign organisations and media owners to exercise restraint and ensure that all campaign materials receive the required regulatory approval before publication or broadcast.

According to ARCON, the exposure of political advertisements without prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel constitutes an offence under Section 34(3) of the Nigerian Advertising Act No. 23 of 2022.

The council consequently directed political parties and campaign organisations to immediately cease and desist from exposing advertisements that have not received the required approval.

ARCON also disclosed that it would work with relevant law enforcement agencies to monitor political advertising activities and enforce compliance across traditional and online platforms.

The regulator warned that individuals, organisations and corporate entities involved in unauthorised political advertising could face prosecution.

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Fadolapo said ARCON would not only target those who directly sponsor such advertisements but also persons or organisations that cause them to be exposed, expose them or derive benefits from the unauthorised campaigns.

“ARCON will further seek to prosecute any person, and/or body corporate who sponsors, causes to be exposed, exposes or takes benefit of political advertising, advertisement or marketing communication without approval of the Advertising Standards Panel,” the ARCON DG said.

The warning comes as political activities and preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties, aspirants and support groups increasingly turning to television, radio, newspapers, social media and other digital platforms to reach voters.

ARCON’s position signals a stricter regulatory approach to political advertising as the election season approaches, particularly with the growing use of online platforms for campaign messaging.

The council maintained that political communication, regardless of the platform through which it is disseminated, remains subject to Nigeria’s advertising regulations and must meet the prescribed legal and ethical requirements.