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The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has warned political parties, campaign organisations, advertising agencies and media platforms that publishing political advertisements without regulatory approval could attract sanctions and prosecution ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council issued the warning on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement on political advertising regulation held at D’Podium Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, amid concerns over the growing spread of hate speech, misinformation and disinformation in political campaigns.
ARCON Director-General, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, who represented the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said political actors must comply with established advertising regulations to prevent campaign activities from threatening public order and undermining peaceful elections.
He explained that political advertising required collaboration among government ministries, departments and agencies because of its wider implications for society and the electoral process.
Fadolapo said ARCON was committed to ensuring that advertising remained legal, decent, truthful and responsible, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
“However, the violation during political season is unimaginable. This calls for a strict regulation of that environment. It is our responsibility to ensure full compliance with the law,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the Centre for Media Law and Development (CMLD), S. Charles Odenigbo, warned that the increasing use of digital platforms for political campaigns did not exempt advertisers from regulatory obligations.
He said the speed and reach of online communication had made regulatory oversight more important, as political messages could reach millions of people within a short period.
Odenigbo cited the ARCON Act 2022, the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice, the Electoral Act and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code as key instruments governing political advertising.
He stressed that political advertisements must receive prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) before being exposed to the public.
The requirement, he said, covers billboards, radio and television jingles, newspaper advertisements, social media posts, podcasts and other marketing communication materials.
Odenigbo also urged media organisations to reject unapproved advertisements regardless of the political status or financial influence of their sponsors. Advertising agencies, he added, should advise clients on compliance rather than simply execute campaign instructions.
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