The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to political parties, their candidates, and supporters ahead of the upcoming Edo State governorship elections. The commission has made it clear that the wearing of campaign attire or bringing campaign materials to polling units on Election Day, September 21, 2024, will not be tolerated.
In a statement released by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission reminded all involved parties that official campaigning must end at midnight on Thursday, September 19, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2023.
The statement emphasized: “The Commission wishes to remind political parties that in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, and item 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2024 Edo State Governorship election, all campaigns by political parties end at midnight today, Thursday 19th September 2024.”
Olumekun also highlighted that any rallies, processions, or media campaigns after this deadline would be considered illegal, as outlined in Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022. On Election Day, candidates and their supporters are strictly prohibited from wearing campaign attire or carrying any form of campaign materials to polling units.
The Commission urged all parties and supporters to comply with the law, stating, “We urge parties, candidates, and their supporters to take note of the provisions of the law for compliance.”
INEC’s directive aims to ensure a peaceful and orderly election, with consequences for any violations.
