… reminds politicians of the provisions of Electoral Law
By Nicholas Ojo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians over the rising cases of attacks on campaign offices and destruction of election-related materials ahead of the 2023 elections.
This was contained in the statement of INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Friday in Abuja at the third quarterly meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security ICCES.
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Yakubu expressed outrage at the recent wave of campaign-related violence as well as the growing resort to making incendiary remarks by politicians at campaign rallies and political events.
The Commission said such acts must be nipped in the bud ahead of next year’s general election.
The development came as INEC advocated the arrest of anyone who violates the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, saying that is the only way to curb election violence.
The INEC boss explained that one of the worrisome practices perpetrated during elections by desperate individuals is vote buying and selling at polling units on election day stressing that the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC have been deploying their operatives during elections.
He lamented that beyond vote buying, there must also be decisive action against negative mobilization, incitement and violence during the electioneering campaign.
The Chairman noted that the arrests made during the recent Osun State Governorship election held on 16th July this year, the EFCC made arrests and after investigations found evidence to charge the suspects to court in Osogbo.
“It is exactly a month since the commencement of campaign by political parties on 28th September 2022, yet the incidents of physical attacks on supporters and destruction of campaign materials across the country is worrisome.
“At our consultative meeting two days ago, leaders of political parties in Nigeria also complained about the denial of access to public facilities and exorbitant charges in some States for the use of such facilities for the dissemination of their campaign materials, messages and rallies.
“These attacks and denials are a violation of the Electoral Act 2022 and ominous signs of what will follow as the campaigns enter critical stages. They may also be a prelude to violence on Election Day and beyond
“We should tackle the smoke before it snowballs into a major inferno. The effective enforcement of our electoral law is the best way to deal with the menace. We should work together to ensure the arrest and prosecution of violators of the provisions of especially Sections 92 – 93 of the Electoral Act 2022”, he added.