The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned ruling parties in Edo and Ondo states against muscling opposition parties ahead of September and November governorship elections in the two states.
A statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, made available to journalists in Abuja maintained that sitting governors should refrain from using
“the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities for rallies and other campaign activities.”
INEC recalled past, unsavoury incidences of “total denial or restricted access to state-owned media (specifically radio and television stations), the imposition of excessive levies and fees for outdoor and media advertising, and even the removal or vandalisation of billboards and posters,” restated that such actions were glaring infractions against provisions of Electoral Act 2022.
The statement reads in part:” 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. These include public buildings such as sports stadiums, open spaces in public places, total denial or restricted access to state-owned media (specifically radio and television stations), the imposition of excessive levies and fees for outdoor and media advertising, and even the removal or vandalisation of billboards and posters. These actions often result in violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to reiterate that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of State apparatus to “the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election.
“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 organisations, 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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