Campaign Of Calumny: INEC Speaks On Prosecuting Electoral Act Offenders

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised to prosecute offenders of the Electoral Act 2022.

Naija News reports that Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, gave the promise on Thursday.

Oyekanmi stated that the Electoral Act prescribe various punishments for campaigns of calumny, warning political parties to caution their members and supporters.

He, therefore, enjoined the parties to shun mudslinging in their campaigns, warning that it would punish parties who continued to flout the electoral law.

In a chat with Vanguard, Oyekanmi said: “INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu had, on two occasions, implored political parties to observe what the Electoral Act 2022 states on how political campaigns should be carried out.

“Sections 92 to 97 of the Electoral Act cover what is allowed and what is not as far as political campaigns are concerned. The Commission has a good relationship with political parties and we meet every quarter or as the situation demands to discuss issues. This matter has been extensively discussed.

“However, the fact that the Commission believes in dialogue does not mean that it cannot wield the big stick. If political parties continue to flout the rules, the Commission will have no option than to prosecute offenders in conjunction with the police.”