Ekiti politicians have been sternly warned to stop subtle or overt campaigning ahead of the state’s gubernatorial election by the new Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof. Abdul-Ganiy Raji.
While doing this, he drew the attention of the campaigners to Section 99 and other relevant sections of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which opposed campaigning until 90 days to the election.
Aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State have started with many opening campaign offices and expressing interest to contest the election.
Raji resumed last month to replace Mr. Sam Olumekun, who was transferred to Edo State prior to 2016 governorship poll.
Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting with politicians in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, Raji said the prohibition would cover jingles and adverts in the print and electronic media as well as the billboards.
The REC said, “I said this at the Election Security Committee being attended by heads of security outfits. The enforcement is not within our purview but the law is very clear. This is the more reason why media houses should scrutinise the jingles brought to them because the National Broadcasting Commission is monitoring closely.
“The section said no campaigning or announcing yourself as potential aspirant or candidate until 90 days to election. This attracts sanctions and it is constitutionally wrong.”
On the fairness craved by party leaders, Raji said, “If I or any of my staff is not ready to maintain fairness during elections, then we have no business in INEC,” he said.
Credit: punchng.com
