The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act which forbid them from indulging in open campaigns, 24 hours to conduct of an election.
A statement issued in Abuja and signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, urged parties fielding candidates in Saturday off-season governorship election in Edo, their candidates and supporters, to be mindful, particularly of Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.
Checks by Nigerian Tribune revealed that the Section reads in part: “(1) A person, print or electronic medium that broadcasts, publishes, advertises or circulates any material for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular political party or the election of a particular candidate over the radio, television, newspaper, magazine, handbills, or any print or electronic media whatsoever called within twenty four hours immediately preceding or on polling day commits an offence under this Act.
“(2) Where an offence under subsection (1) is committed by a body corporate, the principal officers of that body shall be deemed to have equally committed the same offence.
(3) A person convicted of an offence under this section is liable —:
(a) in the case of a body corporate to a maximum fine of N1,000,000 ; and
(b) in the case of an individual to a maximum fine of N1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of six months or both.”
INEC in its statement noted; “It is therefore illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions or media campaigns from midnight today. These prohibitions, including sanctions, are provided for in Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“Similarly, on Election Day, Saturday 21st September 2024, parties, candidates and their supporters should not appear at the polling units in their campaign attires or carry any campaign materials with them. The Commission further urged parties, candidates and their supporters to take note of the provisions of the law for compliance.”
