The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, has warned politicians, political parties, campaign organisations, advertising agencies and media owners against exposing political advertisements without prior approval, saying offenders risk prosecution.
ARCON gave the warning in a statement on Tuesday, signed by its Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, expressing concern over the growing trend of unapproved political advertisements being published by politicians, political parties and support groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Fadolapo noted that some of the advertisements violate the provisions of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice, particularly guidelines relating to religious and ethnic sensitivities.
According to him, as political activities and voter education campaigns gather momentum ahead of the next general elections, all stakeholders must ensure that advertising and marketing communications comply with the provisions of the ARCON Act and other relevant laws.
“The exposure of unapproved advertisements on traditional and online media platforms without prior approval of the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) is an offence under Section 34(3) of the ARCON Act,” he stated.
The ARCON boss therefore directed all political parties, aspirants seeking elective offices, political campaign organisations, advertising agencies and media space owners to immediately stop publishing or airing political advertisements that have not received the required approval of the Advertising Standards Panel.
He emphasized that the council would not hesitate to enforce the law against violators.
Dr. Fadolapo stated further that ARCON would prosecute any individual or corporate body that sponsors, publishes, exposes or benefits from political advertisements and marketing communications that fail to obtain the mandatory ASP approval.
The council reiterated its commitment to ensuring responsible political advertising, stressing the need for maintaining ethical standards in campaign communications, as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
