June 21, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned against the use of the power of incumbency, to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities for rallies and other campaign activities in the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
THEWILL reports that INEC has scheduled September 21 and November 16, 2024, for gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States respectively.
A statement by the Commission’s Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, noted that “over the years opposition parties and candidates were denied the use of public buildings such as stadiums, open spaces in public places, total denial or restricted access to state-owned media, the imposition of excessive levies and fees for outdoor and media advertising, and even the removal or vandalisation of billboards and posters by the party in power.”
These, he added, 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.
“Publication containing INEC’s guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions, and campaigns has already been 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”, he added.
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