The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has issued a strong warning to political parties, aspirants, campaign organisations, and advertising agencies against the dissemination of unauthorised political advertisements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The regulatory body said the publication or broadcast of political advertisements on traditional and digital media platforms without prior vetting and approval by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) violates the provisions of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice and the ARCON Act.
In a statement dated June 16, 2026, ARCON Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, reminded all stakeholders involved in political communication of their legal responsibilities, stressing that the exposure of unapproved political advertisements constitutes a punishable offence under Section 34(3) of the ARCON Act.
According to him, no political advertisement should be published, aired, displayed, or circulated on any media platform without first obtaining clearance from the Advertising Standards Panel.
“Kindly note that exposure of unapproved adverts on traditional and/or online media platforms without prior approval of the Advertising Standards Panel is an offence under Section 34(3) of the ARCON Act,” Fadolapo stated.
The warning comes as political activities across the country continue to gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, with aspirants and political groups increasingly deploying media campaigns to promote their ambitions and political messages.
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ARCON directed all political parties, candidates, and campaign organisations to immediately cease the exposure of any political advertisements that have not undergone the required approval process.
The Council stressed that compliance with advertising regulations remains mandatory regardless of the platform used for dissemination, including television, radio, newspapers, billboards, websites, social media, and other digital channels.
Fadolapo further disclosed that the Council, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, would commence nationwide enforcement operations aimed at identifying and removing unauthorised political advertisements from public spaces and media platforms.
He warned that individuals, organisations, and corporate entities found violating the regulations would face legal consequences.
“ARCON will further seek to prosecute any person 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,” he said.
The regulator explained that the directive is intended to ensure strict adherence to established advertising standards and promote ethical conduct in political communication throughout the electioneering period.
According to ARCON, the approval process serves as a safeguard against misleading, offensive, or inappropriate political messaging while ensuring that all political actors operate within a fair and transparent regulatory framework.
The Council maintained that compliance with advertising laws is critical to preserving the integrity of the electoral process and creating a level playing field for all contestants ahead of the 2027 elections.
ARCON also reiterated that violations of the ARCON Act could attract sanctions, including prosecution and other penalties prescribed by law, warning stakeholders to comply fully with the regulatory requirements to avoid enforcement actions.
The latest directive signals the regulator’s determination to tighten oversight of political advertising as Nigeria moves closer to another election season, amid growing concerns about the influence of unregulated campaign messages on public discourse and voter perception.