Exactly one month to the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission – INEC has warned political parties and candidates against the use of masqueraders, public facilities and religious centres for campaigns.
The commission asked political parties to align strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act to avoid sanctions as stipulated by the Act.
INEC had fixed September 28 for the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly, while the elections would hold on February 25, 2023.
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Relying on Section 92 of the Electoral Act, 2022, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Committee on Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, in aN interview explained that the law expected political campaigns to be civil and devoid of abuse.
Speaking on the need for compliance, the INEC national commissioner pointed out that the Act already provided for sanctions for violators including fines and imprisonment, while urging that adherence to the law should be prioritised by all the parties and candidates.