The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged all political parties in Edo and Ondo State, ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial elections, to adhere to the guidelines of the Commission concerning elections, News About Nigeria reports.
The Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said this in a statement on Friday.
He stated that there are legal requirements for election campaigns, including requirements for equitable access to public facilities.
He noted that the commission has observed a persistent issue in Nigeria’s electioneering process, which is the misuse of incumbency power to block opposition parties and candidates from utilising public facilities for campaign activities.
He stated that this misuse has included restricting access to public buildings such as sports stadiums, limiting the use of state-owned media, imposing excessive fees for advertising, and even the removal or vandalising of campaign materials, among others.
According to him, these actions often lead to violent clashes and disrupt public peace.
Addressing these concerns, Olumekun reiterated that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of state resources to benefit or disadvantage any political party or candidate.
“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.
“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,” he stated.
