The Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) has cautioned political events in opposition to early open campaigns for the 2027 Normal Election, describing it as a violation of the Electoral Act.
That is contained in a press release issued by Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi. in Abuja, whereas response to a query concerning the present delicate campaigns and printing of posters occurring in nation forward of the 2027 Normal election.
INEC mentioned it’s but to launch a timetable for the election.
”Open campaigns are allowed earlier than 150 days earlier than polling day and should finish 24 hours previous to that day.
“INEC has not launched the timetable and schedule of actions for the 2027 Normal Elections. To that extent, occasion primaries haven’t been held and no political occasion has nominated candidates for the subsequent basic election.
“Part 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 stipulates that the interval of campaigning in public by political events for an election shall start 150 days earlier than polling day and finish 24 hours previous to that day.
“Part 95 (1) of the Act additionally states clearly {that a} candidate and his or her occasion shall marketing campaign for an election in accordance with such guidelines and rules as could also be decided by INEC,” he mentioned.
INEC mentioned that whereas Nigerians have the best and liberty to interact in political discussions and categorical their views on the subsequent basic election, any open marketing campaign or canvassing votes for the 2027 basic election was not solely inappropriate however a violation of the electoral act.
INEC drew the eye of all political events in Nigeria to the state of affairs on the fee’s final quarterly consultative assembly, including that INEC expects full compliance with the regulation.
