2015: INEC frowns at early campaigners

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, ordered security agents to apprehend any political party or politicians who are seen campaigning and pasting posters towards 2015 general elections.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, the commission said it had observed that electioneering broadcasts were being aired outside the statutory provision for campaigning towards elections into various elective offices in 2015.

He stressed that such trend was unhealthy and constituted a threat to the nation's democracy.

The statement said: '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 that the polity must not be heated up before the elections period, adding that all political parties must note that campaigning outside this provision is a violation of the law.

It warned that the Commission will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against culprits as provided by relevant sections of the law.

The statement added, 'INEC has observed that some politicians and registered political parties have begun unbridled campaigns 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.'