As preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has issued a stern warning to politicians, political parties, campaign organisations, and advertising agencies against the use of unauthorised political advertisements.
The regulatory body stressed that the publication or broadcast of political advertisements on traditional and digital media platforms without prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) constitutes a violation 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 stakeholders of their legal obligations, stating that the exposure of unapproved advertisements is an offence under Section 34(3) of the ARCON Act.
“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,” he said.
Dr. Fadolapo directed all political parties, aspirants, and campaign organisations to immediately desist from exposing political advertisements that have not received the requisite regulatory approval.
He further disclosed that ARCON, working in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, will commence nationwide enforcement operations to identify and remove unauthorised political advertisements.
According to him, the Council will not hesitate to prosecute individuals, organisations, or corporate entities found to have sponsored, published, disseminated, or benefited from political advertising and marketing communications that have not been approved by the Advertising Standards Panel.
“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 stated.
The Council noted that the directive is aimed at ensuring full compliance with Nigeria’s advertising regulations and maintaining ethical standards in political communication throughout the electioneering period.
ARCON also emphasised that strict adherence to the established guidelines is essential to guaranteeing a level playing field for all political actors and preserving the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
The regulator warned that violations of the provisions of the ARCON Act could attract sanctions, including legal action and prosecution.
