The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has issued a stern warning to politicians, political parties, and advertisement agencies, urging them to ensure that all advertising, advertisement, and marketing communication activities comply with the nation's advertising laws and other relevant extant regulations.
ARCON's Statement on Unapproved Adverts
In a statement released yesterday, ARCON's Director General, Olalekan Fadolapo, expressed concern over the activities of some politicians, political parties, and support groups that have been publishing unapproved adverts. He noted that such actions violate religious and ethnic guidelines, as well as provisions of the nation's advertising code.
Fadolapo stated: "As political campaign activities and voters' education have commenced in earnest towards the next general elections, kindly note that exposure of unapproved advertisements on traditional and online media platforms without prior approval of the Advertising Standards Panel is an offence under section 34(3) of the ARCON Act."
Warning to Political Entities and Media Owners
He warned all political parties, elective political office aspirants, political campaign organizations, advertisement agencies, and media space owners to immediately cease and desist from exposing advertisements without prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), as required by the ARCON Act. Fadolapo also cautioned that ARCON would prosecute any person or corporate body that sponsors, causes to be exposed, exposes, or benefits from political advertising, advertisement, or marketing communication without ASP approval.
The council's warning comes as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, with campaigns and voter education already underway. ARCON emphasized the importance of adhering to advertising regulations to maintain order and prevent misinformation during the electoral process.
