Ahead of the Edo and Ondo states 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 campaigns.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement issued Friday said these actions often result in violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace.
The electoral body also decried the imposition of excessive levies and fees for outdoor and media advertising, and even the removal or vandalisation of billboards and posters.
Olumekun noted: “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.”
The National Commissioner stressed that 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).
It noted: “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.”
The commission called the attention of stakeholders to the provisions of the law and the guidelines for strict compliance.
Olumekun added that 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) and on its social media platforms.