Political Advertising Forum: ARCON, Speakers Demand Strict Political Advertising Compliance Ahead Of 2027 Elections
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has warned political parties, candidates and advertising practitioners against violating advertising regulations ahead of the 2027 Election, as speakers called for responsible political campaigns at the Political Advertising Forum held last Tuesday, at D’Podium Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
The forum brought together regulators, advertising professionals, lawyers, electoral officials and other stakeholders to discuss political advertising guidelines, compliance obligations and the need to prevent misleading and inflammatory campaign messages.
Delivering his opening address, ARCON Director General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, stressed the council’s commitment to enforcing advertising regulations throughout the election period.
He urged political parties, candidates and advertising agencies to comply with existing laws, warning that political campaigns must not threaten national peace.
“ARCON will not allow this period to be on auto-run, we will ensure full enforcement of the law,” he declared.
Fadolapo also emphasised the responsibility of advertising professionals to ensure that political messages meet regulatory standards before publication.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Political Advertising Campaigns in Nigeria: The Regulatory Guidelines and Compliance Obligations,” Director General of the Centre for Media Law and Development, Barrister Charles Odenigbo, outlined the legal requirements governing political campaigns.
He explained that political advertisements across broadcast, print, outdoor and digital platforms must receive approval from the Advertising Standards Panel before publication.
Odenigbo warned that unapproved advertisements, misleading claims, religious discrimination and inflammatory messages could attract regulatory sanctions.
He also urged advertising agencies, media organisations and campaign sponsors to understand their legal responsibilities, stressing that compliance remains compulsory regardless of political affiliation.
In his goodwill message, Badejo Babalola, Head of Election and Party Monitoring at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Lagos, cautioned against misinformation, hate speech and other harmful practices during campaigns.
Similarly, Assistant Commandant Segun Adeogun of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, representing Lagos State Commandant Keshinro Adedotun, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcement and peaceful elections.
Speaking on behalf of the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), its Chairman, Lanre Adisa, described political advertising as a powerful instrument capable of influencing public opinion and electoral decisions.
He called for fair regulation, stakeholder education and consistent enforcement, stressing that political communication carries responsibilities beyond advertising practitioners.
“Democracy thrive on the freedom to persuade, but it also endangered by the freedom to deceive, our task therefore is to protect the former while discouraging the latter,” he noted.
Also speaking, EXMAN Vice President, Angela Ukara-Makinwa, urged practitioners to prioritise truth, accountability and citizens’ rights to informed decisions, adding that creativity and regulatory compliance must work together.
The forum featured a panel session involving ASP Chairman, Emmanuel Agu; BON Executive Secretary, Yemisi Bamgbose; AAAN representative,Toye Arulogun; OAAN representative, Emmanuel Ajufo, Badejo Babalola and Barrister Charles Odenigbo.
The panel discussions addressed advertisement vetting procedures, media compliance, electoral responsibilities and measures to prevent the publication of unapproved political campaign materials.
The event concluded with closing remarks delivered by ARCON’s Director of Regulations, Emme Akande, reinforcing the importance of stakeholder cooperation and responsible political advertising ahead of the elections.
