By Boluwatife Adedokun
Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, the Independent National Electoral Commission has admonished all political parties not to take their campaign to worship and public places in Ekiti State.
The INEC head of Voter Education and Publicity, Tope Akanmu in a statement implored candidates and campaign committee to employ security agencies in their campaign locations to ensure peace and order.
INEC noted that violators would be penalized according to the provision of the 2022 electoral act.
The statement reads,” Political parties and candidates are expected according to section 92(1) of the electoral act 2022 to ensure there is the presence of security agents in their campaign meetings and rallies to guarantee adequate security in such gatherings.
“The political parties, candidates and their supporters are advised according to section 92 of the electoral act 2022 to shun certain conducts at political campaigns and rallies, such as abusive language that can directly or indirectly injure religion, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.
“In the same vein and in line with section 92(3) of the electoral act, campaigns are not to be held in police stations, places of worship and public places.
“The commission further advises political parties, candidates and supporters to adhere to section 93(1) of the Electoral Act by not resulting in violence during any political campaigns and rallies. Violation of any of the above attracts severe sanctions as stipulated in the electoral act.
“However, INEC Ekiti State, therefore, appeals to political parties and candidates to utilize this period to properly educate, sensitize and inform their supporters about the electoral process on the need to have a peaceful election in 2023.”
