POWER OF INCUMBENCY: INEC Cautions Political against violating Campaign Rules
Oru Leonard
As the campaign doors open at Edo and Ondo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has cautioned of all Political Parties and their Candidates against the violation of campaign rules ahead of Edo and Ondo forthcoming Governorship elections, especially on the issue the ruling party usurping the power of incumbency to block opponents from using public places, government media and exorbitant charges where applicable.
A statement signed and released on Friday by the National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun warned all the political parties and their Candidates against the violation of Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibited the use of State apparatus to “the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election”.
According to him, “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.
“Consequently, the attention of all concerned is drawn to the provisions of the law and the guidelines for strict compliance.”
He also directed the general public to go to the Commission’s website for a publication containing the Commission’s guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns which is already uploaded to the Commission’s website (www.inecnigeria.org), adding that the same document is now uploaded to our social media platforms” i
It could be recalled 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 vandalisation of billboards and posters. These actions often result in violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace.
This came, following the publication of the final list of candidates for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States respectively which kick start the public campaigns in earnest.
