Ahead of the September 21 and November 16 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned against any discriminating against opposition parties in the country.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Mr Sam Olumekun on Friday, also advised incumbent governors of the two states and the media against such discriminatory campaigns.
He said the warning was coming on the heels of the publication of the final list of candidates for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, with the commencement of public campaigns for the elections.
He lamented that these actions often result in violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace.
He said, “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.”
Olumekun said that a publication containing the commission’s guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns has already been uploaded to the INEC’s website and that the same document has been uploaded to the commission’s social media platforms.
He also urged all concerned to be conversant with the provisions of the law and the guidelines for strict compliance.
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