Onyekachi Eze 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has warned against the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates, access to public facilities for rallies and other campaign activities, in the forthcoming coming Edo and Ondo governorship elections. INEC in a statement by its Chairman, Information and Voter Education Com- mittee, Mr. Sam Olumekun noted that over the years opposition parties and candidates were denied use of public buildings such as the stadia, open spaces in public places, total denial or restricted access to state-owned media, the imposition of excessive levies and fees for outdoor and media advertising, and even the removal or vandalization of billboards and posters, by a party in power. These, he added, often result in violent clashes among party supporters and a breach of public peace.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission wishes to reiterate that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of state apparatus to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election.
“Furthermore, under Section 95(3-5), it is obligatory for public media houses to allot equal coverage and visibility to all parties and candidates. Section 95(6) provides sanctions against heads of public media organisations, their principal officers, and other officials for contravention,” Olumekun reminded them. He disclosed that a publication containing INEC’s guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns is al- ready uploaded to the com- mission’s website (www. inecnigeria.org). “For emphasis, the same document is now uploaded to our social media plat- forms. “Consequently, the attention of all concerned is drawn to the provisions of the law and the guidelines for strict compliance,” he added.
