The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has threatened to commence legal prosecution against political actors, advertising agencies and individuals who engaged in unwholesome exposure of advertisements without due clearance by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP).
With the flag off political campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Council says its attention has been drawn to the activities of some Politicians, Political parties, Support groups , advertising agencies and media owners that engage in the exposure of unapproved adverts , some of which have been found to violate religious and ethical guidelines and are against the provisions of the Nigerian code of advertising.
The said , in view of the above, consequently, it would work in collaboration with other relevant law enforcement agencies, to commence a nation wide enforcement exercise to remove all political advertisements for which prior approval was not obtained before exposure.
In a statement signed by the Director General, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, the Council warned : “All Political parties, elective political office aspirants , Political campaign organizations, advertising agencies and media owners are hereby advised to immediately cease and desist from exposing advertisements without prior approval of the Advertising Standards Panel as required by the ARCON Act.”
“Kindly note that exposure of unapproved advertisements on the traditional and or online media platforms without prior approval of the Advertising Standards Panel is an offense under section 34 (3) of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No 23 of 2022.
The statement added “ 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.
