Politics

Edo Polls: INEC Warns Parties On Misuse Of Incumbency Power, Others

Published

1 year ago

June 21, 2024

Ahead of the governorship election in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a stern reminder to political parties and candidates about the legal requirements for equitable access to public facilities.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun issued the reminder in a statement on Friday.

Olumekun noted that the commission has observed a persistent issue in Nigeria’s electioneering process: the misuse of incumbency power to block opposition parties and candidates from utilising public facilities for campaign activities.

This misuse includes restricting access to public buildings such as sports stadiums, limiting the use of state-owned media, imposing excessive fees for advertising, and even the removal or vandalism of campaign materials. These actions often lead to violent clashes and disrupt public peace.

“Over the years, a recurring problem in Nigeria’s electioneering process has been the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities for rallies and other campaign activities.

“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.

“These actions often result in violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace,” the national commissioner said.

To address these concerns, Olumekun reiterated that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of state resources to benefit or disadvantage any political party or candidate.

Sections 95(3-5) also mandate equal coverage for all parties and candidates by public media houses.

Violations of these provisions can result in sanctions against the heads and officials of these media organisations as outlined in Section 95(6).

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to reiterate 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”.

“Furthermore, under Section 95(3-5), it is obligatory for public media houses 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,” he added.

Olumekun emphasised the importance of adhering to these regulations, adding that INEC has made guidelines for political rallies, processions, and campaigns on its website and social media platforms to ensure clarity and compliance.

“The Commission calls on all concerned parties to adhere strictly to these guidelines and legal provisions,” Olumekun stated.

The Edo governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024.

Related Topics:#edo poll #INEC Edo Guber

Up Next

Edo NNPP Suspends Vice Chairman , Others For Alleged Anti-Party Activities

Don't Miss

Abure Worker Of Iniquity, LP Executive Secret Society – Kenneth Okonkwo Alleges

Comments

Politics

BREAKING: 24hrs After, Fubara Finally Arrives Port Harcourt

Published

46 minutes ago

September 19, 2025

Editor

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has finally arrived in Port Harcourt, the state capital, following his reinstatement by President Bola Tinubu.

Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport about 11:50 a.m. on Friday.

The development comes more than 24 hours Tinubu ended the six-month emergency rule in the state.

The Governor was greeted by a crowd of supporters who had earlier converged at the VIP wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport, awaiting his arrival.

The House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday.

However, Fubara did not show up at the Government House, despite the hundreds of supporters who had gathered to welcome him.

Politics

PDP NWC Directs S’South Zonal Caretaker Committee To Oversee Cross River Chapter

Published

1 hour ago

September 19, 2025

Editor

The National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has directed its South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee to immediately take charge of the affairs of its Cross River chapter.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba directed the committee to oversee the affairs of the party until the conduct of the state congress scheduled for Saturday, September 27.

Ologunagba said that the directive issued at the NWC meeting of Thursday was sequel to the expiration of the tenure of the elected Cross River State Executive Committee on September 18.

He said that the decision was to ensure that there was no vacuum in the affairs of the party before the emergence of a new state executive for the chapter.

“By this, the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee led by Chief Emmanuel Ogidi is directed to liaise with the NWC for the conduct of the year 2025 congress in Cross River to elect a new executive committee for the chapter on Saturday September 27.

“The NWC charges all leaders, stakeholders and members of our party in Cross River to remain united, steadfast and continue to work together in the overall interest and progress of our great party in the state,” Ologunagba stated.

Politics

PHOTO: Rivers Residents Throng Govt House To Welcome Fubara

Published

22 hours ago

September 18, 2025

Editor

Rivers State’s capital is a sea of jubilant supporters on Thursday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara is expected to triumphantly return to office following the end of the state’s six-month emergency rule.

Throngs of residents, politicians, and key stakeholders have converged on the Government House in Port Harcourt, eagerly awaiting the governor’s arrival.

The atmosphere is one of profound relief and celebration, with various groups dressed in their uniforms, standing outside the gates and anticipating the moment their leader will make his appearance.

The collective joy reflects the widespread satisfaction with the restoration of democratic governance.

Residents who spoke with Nigerian Television Authority expressed their delight, with many voicing hope that the state will now usher in a new era of development and progress.

As the governor prepares to resume his duties, all eyes are on the renewed promise of stability and accelerated development for the people of Rivers State.

“Although the governor has yet to arrive at the Government House, various groups clad in their uniforms are standing outside the gate, anticipating his arrival”, NTA report indicated.

Residents of the state who spoke with NTA News expressed satisfaction over the restoration of democratic rule in the state, expressing hope that the state would now witness more development.