INEC Cautions Politicians Against Abuse of Incumbency Power in Edo, Ondo Elections

INEC Cautions Politicians Against Abuse of Incumbency Power in Edo, Ondo Elections

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians against exploiting the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities and resources during the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

The warning was conveyed in a statement signed by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in response to the publication of the final list of candidates for the elections.

According to Olumekun, the Commission is determined to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, free from the abuse of power by those in office.

The statement noted that over the years, a recurring problem in Nigeria’s electioneering process has been the use of government facilities and resources to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public spaces, media coverage, and other campaign activities. This has often led to violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace.

Olumekun reiterated that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of state apparatus to “the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election.” He also emphasized that under Section 95(3-5), public media houses are obligated to allot equal coverage and visibility to all parties and candidates.

“Section 95(6) provides sanctions against heads of public media organisations, their principal officers, and other officials for contravention.

“A publication containing the Commission’s guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns is already uploaded to the Commission’s website (www.inecnigeria.org). For emphasis, the same document is now uploaded to our social media platforms,” Olumekun disclosed.

The Commission therefore urged all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to adhere to these guidelines and respect the rules governing the electoral process.