ARCON Warns Against Unauthorised Political Advertising as Campaigns Heat Up

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has issued a formal warning to all political entities and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasising the need for caution in political campaign advertising. The statement underscores the importance of adhering to Nigeria’s advertising laws and ethical standards, particularly in the context of the upcoming electoral cycle.

ARCON’s Director-General, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, highlighted the council’s commitment to regulating political advertising activities to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Code of Advertising. He stressed that the council is actively warning political parties, aspirants, support groups, and media owners to exercise caution and exercise restraint in their campaign communications.

The regulatory body pointed out that any unapproved advertisements, whether traditional or online, without prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel, constitute an offence under Section 34(3) of the Nigerian Advertising Act No 23 of 2022. ARCON urged all political parties and campaign organisations to cease and desist from exposing unapproved advertisements immediately.

In addition, ARCON announced its intention to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to enforce compliance across all platforms. The council further revealed plans to pursue legal action against individuals or organisations that sponsor or propagate unauthorised political advertisements, including those who benefit from such campaigns.

“ARCON will further seek to prosecute any person, and/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,” ARCON DG said.