The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning against denying political parties and candidates access to public facilities for their campaigns ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
In a statement released on Friday, INEC's National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, emphasised that it is against the law to deny parties or candidates access to public facilities for rallies and other campaign activities.
Olumekun pointed out that the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities has been a recurring problem in Nigeria's electioneering process.
These activities regularly result in rough clashes among party supporters and a breach of open peace.
The statement highlighted Section 95 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits the use of State apparatus to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election.
It also emphasized that under Section 95, public media houses are required to allot equal coverage and visibility to all parties and candidates.
INEC has called on stakeholders to visit the commission's site for guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, parade, and campaigns. The electoral umpire has urged all concerned to strictly comply with the provisions of the law.
The warning comes as INEC prepares for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, with the commission emphasizing the importance of a fair and level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
