INEC Warns Politicians against Early Campaigns

 

INEC

By: Chuks Okocha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Sunday warned political parties and politicians that have gradually commenced campaigns towards the 2015 general election to desist as such campaigns are antithetical to the constitution and sustenance of democracy.

INEC, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to its chairman, Kayode Idowu, reminded them of the provision of Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), which stipulates that campaigns shall commence 90 days to the election and end 24 hours to the Election Day.

The statement came against the backdrop of campaign posters of top politicians such as President Goodluck Jonathan, Congress for Progress Change (CPC) national leader, Maj.-Gen Muhammadu Buhari; Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi; and his Jigawa State counterpart, Alhaji Sule Lamido, which had surfaced in places like Abuja and Kaduna in recent times.

The commission warned that it would not hesitate to sanction politicians and political parties that violate the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act as regard early campaigns.

It also called on security agencies to arrest violators as such campaigns are a threat to democracy.

The statement said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has observed that some politicians and registered political parties have begun unbridled campaign towards the forthcoming general election, thereby heating up the polity.

“It is observed that campaign posters are being indiscriminately displayed, while electioneering broadcasts are being aired outside the statutory provision for campaigning towards elections into various elective offices.

“This trend is unhealthy and portends ill for the political process. Indeed, it is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

“The commission hereby reminds all players of the provision of Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which states as follows: ‘For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.’

“Political parties are advised to note that campaigning outside this provision is a violation of the law, and the commission will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against culprits as provided by relevant sections of the law.

“Meanwhile, INEC calls on security agents to apprehend violators, whose activities in this regard pose a threat to public order. The commission enjoins all parties to play strictly by the rules, as part of a collective effort to ensure the success of the 2015 elections.”