As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections, candidates will be subject to a combined campaign spending limit of N571 billion as stipulated by the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026. This significant cap includes 19 presidential candidates, each allowed to spend up to N10 billion, and 127 governorship candidates, who can each spend a maximum of N3 billion.

The total spending ceiling for presidential candidates amounts to N190 billion, while the governorship candidates collectively can spend up to N381 billion. However, it is important to note that this figure represents the maximum permissible expenditure, not necessarily the amount that candidates will actually spend during their campaigns.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recently published the personal details and credentials of the 19 presidential candidates, marking the official commencement of the presidential campaign on August 19, 2026. Among the candidates are notable figures such as incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. The list also includes candidates from various parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the Labour Party, among others.

In the governorship race, 127 candidates from 18 political parties are vying for positions across 28 states, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP leading with 28 candidates each. Other parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party, have also fielded a significant number of candidates.

The new spending limits are a substantial increase from previous regulations. Under the Electoral Act 2026, the maximum spending for a senatorial candidate is set at N500 million, while candidates for the House of Representatives are limited to N250 million. For State House of Assembly elections, the ceiling is N100 million.

To ensure compliance with these new regulations, the Electoral Act imposes strict penalties for candidates who exceed the spending limits, including fines and potential imprisonment. Political analysts and civil society organizations have raised concerns about the enforcement of these limits, emphasizing the need for effective monitoring by INEC and collaboration with anti-corruption agencies.

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, highlighted that the challenge lies not in the existence of the spending limits, but in the enforcement and willingness of political actors to adhere to them. He stated, "The law is very clear; political parties or candidates are not expected to go beyond certain thresholds."

Debo Adeniran, Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of cooperation between INEC, the media, and civil society in monitoring campaign expenditures. He advocated for stricter sanctions against violators to level the playing field for all candidates.

As the political landscape evolves, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has also issued warnings to media outlets against spreading misinformation and inflammatory content during the election period. The NBC emphasized the need for responsible reporting and adherence to ethical standards in political coverage, particularly as campaigns officially commence.

With the elections approaching, the focus will be on how effectively these new spending limits are enforced and whether they will contribute to a fairer electoral process in Nigeria.