INEC warns parties, politicians not to begin campaigns until 90 days before election day
The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has warned all political parties and their candidates to desist from campaigning for votes until November.
Yakubu said on Monday that the constitution states that politicians must not start their campaigns till 90 days before election day. He said presidential aspirants would be free to start campaigns November 18, while governorship candidates cannot begin until December 1st.
“Section 99(1) prohibits campaigns by political parties earlier than 90 days before polling day, therefore, going by the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the Commission, campaign for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on Nov. 18, campaign for Governorship and State Assembly elections begins on Dec. 1,” the Chairman said.
“I call upon political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to these dates.”
Yakubu further said that all political parties are to submit the list of their presidential and National Assembly candidates and personal credentials on October 10 and 18th, while the list of Governorship and State Assembly should be submitted on October 2nd and November 2nd respectively.
