‘No abusive language’ — INEC releases campaign guidelines for Edo, Ondo guber

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released campaign guidelines ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

In a statement on Thursday, Sam Olumekun, INEC national commissioner for information, said recurring scenarios of the incumbent suppressing opposition parties and preventing them from using public facilities for campaigns, necessitated the release of the guidelines.

“These include public buildings such as sports stadiums, open spaces in public places, total denial or restricted access to state-owned media (specifically radio and television stations), the imposition of excessive levies and fees for outdoor and media advertising, and even the removal or vandalisation of billboards and posters,” he said.

“These actions often result in violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace.”

The INEC commissioner said section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of state apparatus to oppress opposition parties.

“A publication containing the Commission’s guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns is already uploaded to the Commission’s website (inecnigeria.org),” he said.

“For emphasis, the same document is now uploaded to our social media platforms.

“Consequently, the attention of all concerned is drawn to the provisions of the law and the guidelines for strict compliance.”

Below are the guidelines as provided by the electoral body.