From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)has charged party leaders to comply with the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for political parties in 2022, especially the aspect dealing with rallies, processions and Campaigns.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu made the charge on Monday in Abuja at the third regular quarterly meeting with leaders of political parties said campaign by political parties and candidates is in full swing in both Edo and Ondo States and this is the time for party leaders to demonstrate compliance with the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, especially the aspect dealing with rallies, processions and campaigns already available on our website.
“As a reminder copies of the document have been included in your folders for this meeting.
“The campaign period has often been characterised by acrimony and tension. Sadly, it is also a period of verbal abuse and physical confrontation among parties, candidates and their supporters,” he stated.
Professor Mahmood explained that the Commission found the recent event in Edo State resulting in the death of a security personnel worrisome.
Happily, he said there has been no incident known to the Commission since then. Nevertheless, the Commission will meet with the security agencies under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
He said the issue of security in both Edo and OndoI was a major among other things to be discussed at the meeting with leaders of political parties.
“I want to assure you that security in Edo and Ondo will be a major issue for discussion at the meeting.
“We are as concerned about the safety of your candidates, agents and supporters as we are about the security of our officials, observers, journalists, service providers and, above all, the voters.”
On the issue of bye-elections, the INEC Chairman recalled that at the last meeting with leaders of political parties, he informed them of the existence of vacancies in four states involving three State Constituencies and one Federal Constituency and since two more vacancies have been declared by the Honourable Speaker of the House Representative following the death of members representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State and the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State. Saying that his Commission will soon announce the dates for the bye-elections.
“Turning to the issue of bye-elections, you may recall that at our last meeting, I informed you of the existence of vacancies in four States, involving three State Constituencies and one Federal Constituency. Since then, two more vacancies have been declared by the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives following the death of the members representing the Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State and the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State. The Commission will soon announce the dates for the bye-elections.
“Once again, I welcome you to this meeting. I thank you and God bless,” he concluded.
