Ahead of the Edo ,Ondo Governorship Elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned against the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities for rallies and other campaign activities.
This is contained in a statement by Sam Olumekun National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee issued on Friday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the consequences of such restrictions including 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), imposition of excessive levies and fees for outdoor and media advertising, and the removal or vandalisation of billboards and posters, often result in violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace.
The Commission cited Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 which 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.
Also, a publication containing the 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, Olumekun said.
