The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the
ban on electoral campaigns. In a statement issued on Monday after a
meeting, the commission reviewed its earlier position and lifted the
ban.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu |
In a statement signed by National Commissioner Information and Voter
Education, Festus Okoye, the Commission allowed for campaigns to resume
immediately and terminate at midnight on Thursday.
The statement reads:
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Monday
18th February 2019 and reviewed its preparations for the 2019 General
Elections rc-scheduled for Saturday. 23rd February 2019 for the
Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday. 9th March
2019 for Governorship, State Assembly and Federal Capital Territory
(FCT) Area Council Elections.
“It would be recalled that at the briefing held on Saturday. 16th
February 2019 at the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC). the
Commission gave reasons for re-scheduling the polls and released a new
Schedule of Activities leading up to the elections.
“The Commission has also worked out in detail. concrete steps to be
taken to ensure that election materials arrive at the polling units in
good time for prompt commencement of the polls on Saturday. 23rd
February 2019. An update will be provided by the Commission at a press
conference on Tuesday. 19th February at the Abuja International
Conference Centre by 3pm.
“1n the meantime. after consultations with political parties. the
Commission has approved that campaigns by parties and candidates can
resume forthwith to end by midnight of Thursday, 21st February 2019.
“Media organisations are at liberty to accept, publish. broadcast and
circulate campaign materials up till midnight of Thursday. 21st
February 2019. Political Parties and their candidates are enjoined to
abide by the extant laws governing campaigns.
“The Commission wishes to thank all Nigerians for their understanding
regarding the rescheduling of the elections. We appeal to stakeholders
to be dispassionate and circumspect in their comments. The Commission is
focusing on the elections to be held on 23rd February and 9th March to
ensure that they are free. fair and credible. We urge all Nigerians to
participate fully in the elections. notwithstanding the disappointment.
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