The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor, Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday, reiterated the call for peaceful electioneering as the campaign activities kick off across the country and party lines.
Yakubu stated this at the signing of the Peace Accord for the peaceful campaign, organised by the National Peace Committee at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Delivering his goodwill message at the event, the INEC boss said all the parties are expected to carry out their campaigns in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
He said INEC would play it’s role not only as the umpire of the election but also as a regulatory body.
According to him, the Commission would “vigorously monitor compliance to ensure that parties shun abusive, intemperate or slanderous language as well as insinuations or innuendoes likely to provoke a breach of the peace during the electioneering campaigns.”
Speaking further he disclosed that the Commission would also monitor closely compliance with the limits on campaign spending under the Electoral Act.
“There are sanctions provided by law. Political parties and candidates should study and familiarise themselves with the electoral legal framework to avoid any infraction of the law and the unhappy consequences that will follow any act of misdemeanour.
“The 2023 General Election will be conducted for 1,491 constituencies nationwide made up of one Presidential constituency, 28 Governorship elections, 109 Senatorial Districts, 360 Federal constituencies and 993 State Assembly constituencies. Every constituency is important. Every election is important.”
He thanked the organisers of the event, the National Peace Committee (NPC) for the important event and for giving him the opportunity to deliver a goodwill message on behalf of INEC.
He stressed the importance of the peace accord in the political evolution of Nigeria adding that it has helped in curtailing pro- and post- election violence in Nigeria.
“I would like to thank the National Peace Committee for organising this important event and for the opportunity to deliver a goodwill message on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Twice in 2015 and 2019, political parties and candidates have committed themselves to peaceful elections by signing the national Peace Accord organised by the NPC.
“The success of the national peace accord at the national level for General Election led to demands by stakeholders for the devolution of the same effort to major off-cycle elections at State level.
“In response, the NPC organised the peace accord ahead of the Governorship elections in Edo in September 2020 and subsequently in four more elections.
“The result is not only the peaceful conduct of these elections, but the process keeps improving one election after another.
“Today, the NPC is taking another giant step by inviting parties and candidates to commit to peaceful electioneering campaigns.
“This is important considering the connection between peaceful campaign on the one hand and peaceful and credible elections on the other.” He stated.
According to the INEC boss, the Commission appreciated the positive role of the NPC in the progressive improvement of the elections in Nigeria.
He stressed that the Electoral Act m has provided for campaigns by political parties to commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day.
“Accordingly, campaign by political parties for the 2023 General Election officially commenced yesterday Wednesday 28th September 2022.
“This will continue until 24 hours before polling day i.e. 23rd February 2023 for national elections (Presidential and National Assembly) and 9th March 2023 for State elections (Governorship and Houses of Assembly).
“The implication is that for the next 148 days, political parties, candidates and their supporters are free to traverse the country holding meetings, rallies, processions and door-to-door campaigns.
“They will grant interviews, sponsor indoor and outdoor advertisements and publish other campaign materials. This is often a delicate period characterized by excitement and anxiety.
“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and in our determination to play our role as a regulator, the Commission will vigorously monitor compliance to ensure that parties shun abusive, intemperate or slanderous language as well as insinuations or innuendoes likely to provoke a breach of the peace during the electioneering campaigns.
“Similarly, the Commission will also closely monitor compliance with the limits on campaign spending under the Electoral Act.
“There are sanctions provided by law. Political parties and candidates should study and familiarise themselves with the electoral legal framework to avoid any infraction of the law and the unhappy consequences that will follow any act of misdemeanour.” He further explained.
Yakubu disclosed that the 2023 general election would be conducted for 1,491 constituencies nationwide made up of one Presidential constituency, 28 Governorship elections, 109 Senatorial Districts, 360 Federal constituencies and 993 State Assembly constituencies, stressing that “every constituency is important. Every election is important.”
“Therefore, the commitment to peaceful and issue-based electioneering campaign should resonate beyond the 18 Party Chairmen and Presidential candidates present here today.
“It is not enough to simply sign the Peace Accord. What is more important is to abide by its letter and spirit.
“You should similarly pass the message to all your candidates, members and supporters across the country for compliance.
“This will be your own way of showing appreciation for the work of the NPC and an affirmation of your contribution to electoral peace in Nigeria.
“The Chairman of the NPC, Your Excellency General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the convener and members of the Committee, the INEC appreciates our partnership with you for peaceful elections and may God continue to bless our efforts.”
Those present at the Peace Accord ritual were the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar
Members of the National Peace Committee (NPC)
Chairmen of Political Parties
Presidential Candidates for the 2023 General Election
The Inspector General of Police, Heads of Other Security Agencies, the European Union (EU), Ambassador to Nigeria and other Members of the Diplomatic Corps
National Commissioners of INEC, and the Nigerian public.
