'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to incumbents in Edo and Ondo States, cautioning them against using their position to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities for campaign activities.
In a press release signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, today June 21, the electoral body reminded incumbents that the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of state apparatus to advantage or disadvantage any political party or candidate.
The Commission specifically highlighted the illegal practices that have become a recurring problem in Nigeria's electioneering process, including the denial of access to public buildings, open spaces, state-owned media, and the imposition of excessive levies and fees for advertising.
INEC also warned against the removal or vandalism of billboards and posters, which has often led to violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace.
"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.
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" the statement reads in part.
The Commission emphasized that public media houses must allot equal coverage and visibility to all parties and candidates, and that failure to comply would attract sanctions.
The statement added: "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."
As the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States approach, INEC has urged all concerned to strictly comply with the provisions of the law and the guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions, and campaigns, which are available on the Commission's website and social media platforms.
This move by INEC is seen as a bold step to curb the excesses of high-handed incumbents and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates in the upcoming elections.
