With the off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo State fast approaching, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has lifted ban on campaigns. However, the Commission warned political parties against the use of hate speech and the carrying of arms during campaigns.
Delivering the warning, INEC stated that parties contesting in the elections should avoid carrying arms to venue of such campaigns. The election umpire also stated that campaigns must be communicated to the Commission and the Nigeria Police. This, INEC, said must be at least ten days before the campaign.
This was contained in the guidelines for campaign released by the Commission on Friday.
According to the guidelines, the provisions of the Electoral Act, which stated that all candidates in the election should be allowed access to public facilities for their campaign activities must be obeyed.
This was disclosed by the National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun. He reminded the political parties of the need to adhere to the provisions of the law. Before, during and after the election.
The statement reads: “Following the publication of the final list of candidates for the Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, public campaigns have commenced in earnest.
“Over the years, a recurring problem in Nigeria’s electioneering process has been the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities for rallies and other campaign activities.
“Furthermore, under Section 95(3-5), it is obligatory for public media houses to allot equal coverage and visibility to all parties and candidates. Section 95(6) provides sanctions against heads of public media organizations, their principal officers, and other officials for contravention.
“A publication containing the Commission’s guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns is already uploaded to the Commission’s website, www.inecnigeria.org. For emphasis, the same document is now uploaded to our social media platforms.
“Consequently, the attention of all concerned is drawn to the provisions of the law and the guidelines for strict compliance.”
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