Ekiti: INEC Lifts Ban On Political Campaigns Ahead Of 2023 General Elections 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has officially lifted ban on political campaigns by political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections in Ekiti State.

Officially announcing the decision on Tuesday, the Head of Voter Education and Publicity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ekiti State, Mr. Tope Akanmu in the press release signed and sent to the Treasure Newspaper, has notified and informed the people of Ekiti State as well as all the Candidates and political parties Contesting for the Presidential election; that of the National and States Houses of Assembly elections should begin there political campaigns. 

Tope Akanmu in his release, specifically stated that, “in line with section 90 of the Electoral Act 2022 and the timeline of activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 general elections, INEC Ekiti state wishes to use this medium to notify the public that the electioneering campaign for the posts of President and National Assembly in the forth coming 2023 general elections shall commence tomorrow 28th September, 2022 and ends on 23rd February 2023 through out the three senatorial districts, six Federal Constituencies and the 16 Local Government Areas of the State”.

Akanmu added that, “political parties and candidates are expected according to section 92(1) of the electoral act 2022 to ensure there is presence of security agents in their campaign meetings and rallies to guarantee adequate security in such gathering”.

He reiterated that the political parties, candidates and their supporters are advised according to section 92 of the electoral act 2022 to shun certain conducts at political campaigns and rallies, such as abusive languages that can directly or indirectly injure religion, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.

Also, that, inline with section 92(3) of the electoral act, campaigns are not to be held in police stations, place of worships and public places.

Speaking further, the Head of the Voters Education and Publicity of the INEC in Ekiti State, Mr. Tope Akanmu advised political parties, candidates and supporters to adhere to section 93(1) of the Electoral Act by not resulting to violence during any political campaigns and rallies. 

He also stated that, the failure of the candidates and political parties not to strictly adhere to the above guidelines will attract severe sanctions from the Commission as stipulated in the electoral act. 

However, INEC Ekiti State therefore used the opportunity to appeal to all the political parties and candidates contesting the elections to utilize this period to properly educate, sensitize and inform their supporters about the electoral process on the need to have a peaceful election come 2023.