POLITICIANS and political parties already in campaign mode ahead of the 2015 elections need tone
down their inflammatory rhetoric, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission has warned.
A Sunday press release by the Commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Kayode Idowu, referred to campaign posters going up in parts of the country and broadcasts on the airwaves capable of undermining the security situation in the country.
“It is observed that campaign posters are being indiscriminately displayed, while electioneering broadcasts are being aired outside the statutory provision for campaigning towards elections into various elective offices,” Mr. Idowu said.
“The trend is unhealthy and portends ill for the political process. Indeed, it is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.”
The Commission reminded “all players of the provision of Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended), which states as follows:
“For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”
INEC said, “Political parties are advised to note that campaigning outside this provision is a violation of the law, and the Commission will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against culprits as provided by relevant sections of the law”.
Meanwhile, INEC called on security agents to apprehend violators whose activities in this regard pose a threat to public order.
The commission enjoined all parties to play strictly by the rules, as part of a collective effort to ensure the success of the 2015 elections.