2027: ARCON warns politicians against unapproved campaign adverts

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has warned politicians, political parties, campaign groups, advertising agencies and media owners against exposing political advertisements without prior approval.

The council issued the warning on Monday as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed on Monday by its Director-General, Olalekan Fadolapo, ARCON said some political adverts already being exposed had violated religious and ethical guidelines and contravened the Nigerian Code of Advertising.

The council said the exposure of unapproved advertisements on traditional and online media platforms without prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel constitutes an offence under Section 34(3) of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act 2022.

“Political parties, elective political office aspirants, political campaign organisations, advertisement agencies and media owners are hereby advised to immediately cease and desist from exposing advertisements without prior approval of the Advertising Standards Panel as required by the ARCON Act,” the statement said.

ARCON said it would, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, commence a nationwide enforcement exercise to remove political advertisements that were exposed without the required prior approval.

The council also warned that it would prosecute individuals and corporate organisations that sponsor, expose, facilitate the exposure of or benefit from political advertising and marketing communications without approval from the Advertising Standards Panel.

ARCON urged all stakeholders involved in political advertising to ensure that their activities comply with the Nigerian Advertising Law and other relevant legislation.