Stop Heating Up The Polity, INEC Warns Politicians

SAN FRANCISCO, June 09, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advised politicians in the country to play the game according to the rules, warning them to stop heating up the polity ahead of 2015 general elections.

INEC in a statement issued on Sunday, said it had observed that some politicians and registered political parties have begun unbridled campaign towards the forthcoming general election, thereby heating up the polity.

“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.

“This trend is unhealthy and portends ill for the political process. Indeed, it is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

“The Commission hereby reminds 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 in the statement.

The electoral body however warned political parties that campaigning outside this provision is a violation of the law, saying it will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against culprits as provided by relevant sections of the law.

Meanwhile, INEC has called on security agents to apprehend violators, whose activities in this regard, it said, pose a threat to public order.