INEC Warns Politicians Over 2015 Campaign Posters

Ahead of the 2015 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians and political parties to desist from what it described as “unbridled campaigns”, adding that the commission will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions.

The apex electoral body, which stated that the campaigns run contrary to Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), called on security agents to apprehend those responsible for placing those posters or engaging in electioneering broadcasts.

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states have, in recent times, been greeted with the presidential campaign posters of President Goodluck Jonathan, General Muhammadu Buhari as well as posters of the governors of Jigawa, Rivers and Niger states. The personalities had, however, denied any connection with the posters.

But a statement by the chief press secretary to INEC chairman, Mr Kayode Idowu, described the trend as unhealthy and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The statement reads in part: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has observed that some politicians and registered political parties have begun unbridled campaign towards the forthcoming general election, thereby heating up the polity.

“It is observed that campaign posters are being indiscriminately displayed, while electioneering broadcasts are being aired outside the statutory provision for campaigning towards elections into various elective offices.

“This trend is unhealthy and portends ill for the political process. Indeed, it is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

“The commission hereby reminds all players of the provision of Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended), which states as follows: ‘For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.’

“Political parties are advised to note that campaigning outside this provision is a violation of the law, and the Commission will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against culprits as provided by relevant sections of the law.”

INEC however called on “security agents to apprehend violators, whose activities in this regard pose a threat to public order” and “enjoins all parties to play strictly by the rules, as part of a collective effort to ensure the success of the 2015 elections”.

APC set up 9 member interim management committee

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has set up a 9 -man interim management committee that would oversee the registration of the party within 30 days,former Kano state Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has said.

LEADERSHIP had exclusively reported last Friday that the merging parties may have settled for a nine-man interim committee to tidy up its registration process at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Shekarau who was speaking to newsmen on Sunday in Kano said parties have reached a consensus that principal officers of the three parties which include national chairmen, national secretaries and national treasurers of the three parties should form a 9 man interim management committee.

He further explained that the 9 man committee is only saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the registration of the APC which is expected to only last for not more than 30 days.

Mallam Shekarau also announced that the 9 man committee would meet between Tuesday and Wednesday this week to elect the chairman and the secretary of the interim committee.

Shekarau who was the chairman of the ANPP merger committee and the Secretary of the merging parties committee further stated that immediately the registration of the APC is secured within 30 days the 9 man committee and all other committees’ ceases to exist.

He noted that the constitution stipulates that after then a caretaker management can be constituted that would elect the substantive leadership of the party within six months of its formation.