2015: INEC To Take Action Against Illegal Campaigners

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to deal with individuals, groups and political parties, who breach the provisions of the constitution as regards public campaign and procession.

“The Commission shall henceforth take necessary action against such associations, corporate bodies, individuals, political parties, media or such communication agencies, social media, candidates/aspirants who contravene the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (As amended) and/or Electoral Act 2010 (As amended) on public campaign/rally and procession,” said Augusta Ogakwu, Secretary of the Commission in a warning issued on September 26 and published in an INEC bulletin released yesterday.

According to Ogakwu, the commission has noted that some groups and media outfits, among others, have been embarking on illegal campaigns, despite warnings against such.

Resounding the stipulations of the law, INEC stressed that Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended) prohibited broadcast and political campaign earlier than ninety (90) days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day. However, several campaigns/rallies have been held across the country outside the window offered for such by law.

“Relevant Extracts of the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended) have since been reproduced and circulated by the Commission at public places, media outfits, Federal Ministry of Information, National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Communication Commission (NCC) and Headquarters of Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC), Headquarters of State, FCT, Local Government Area offices of INEC and the Federal Ministry of Environment for their information and proper guidance,” the statement said.