JAGISTS

The Independent National Electoral Commission, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto, and Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, have issued a stern warning to political parties to avoid violence during the exercise as political parties start their campaigns for the 2023 election on Wednesday (tomorrow).

The change occurred at a time when national insecurity is on the rise and politicians are stepping up their attempts to protect themselves as the market for security tools and bulletproof automobiles has increased recently.

Mahmud Yakubu, the INEC chairman, warned that derogatory language might incite violence during the elections.

Yakubu spoke at a workshop in Lagos on Monday. He was represented by National Commissioner Festus Okoye.
Political campaigns may not utilize or use abusive, intemperate, slanderous, or base words or innuendos that are intended to incite violence or other negative emotions. Let me also remind the media of their legal and constitutional responsibilities,” the speaker stated.
At a sensitization conference on political broadcasting in Abuja with the topic “Towards a fair and responsible broadcast coverage of the 2023 general elections,” the INEC chairman further reaffirmed this stance.

He issued a warning, saying the commission would take all necessary steps to guarantee that the general election in 2023 would be free, fair, credible, open to everyone, and verifiable.

Candidates, their supporters, and the media, he said, “have a duty to act within the parameters of the law and the conditions of the commission’s rules and recommendations. Campaigns focused on issues are necessary for secure electioneering. This will then foster the environment necessary for the deployment and smooth running of all electoral operations.

“Hate speech, vulgar language, innuendos that could incite violence, physical attacks on supporters of one party or another, or the destruction of campaign literature should not be allowed during campaigns.

The duties of political parties and candidates, the media, and public institutions are more precisely outlined in section 95 of the Electoral Act. Sanctions are also included for infractions.