The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has cautioned incumbent governments against denying opposition political parties and their candidates access to public facilities for rallies and other campaign activities in the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship election.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun gave the caution in a statement issued Friday on the release of guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns.
According to the guidelines, political parties and their candidates are to avoid the use of hate speech and offensive languages in the conduct of their campaign for the elections.
They are to also avoid carrying arms to venue of such campaigns which must be communicated to the Commission and the Nigeria Police, at least ten days before the campaign.
The INEC chief spokesman noted that 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 vandalism 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,” the statement added.
