INEC warns Gombe politicians against overshooting approved campaign finances
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has warned political parties in Gombe, especially politicians not to exceed the approved campaign finances.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Nuhu Ibrahim, Head of Voter Education and Publicity, on behalf of the Administrative Secretary, INEC promised to track campaign funds using trained staff.
Ibrahim said, “Furthermore, candidates are advised to strictly comply with the limits on election expenses contained in section 88 of the Electoral Act 2022 as the Commission will deploy its trained Staff for campaign finance tracking activities.”
While urging political actors about the need for peaceful co-existence, INEC also sought for hate-free comments in order to entrench rancor-free environment.
“As the ban on campaigns in public by political parties is lifted on Wednesday 28th September 2022, pursuant to section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and item 9 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission Gombe State wishes to draw the attention of political parties/candidates in the State on the need for peaceful and rancour free campaigns.
“Sections 92 & 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 are clear on conducts that are prohibited during campaigns. Political parties/candidates are to ensure that campaigns are not “tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings”. The use of slanderous or base language likely to provoke violent reaction or emotions, attack or use of force on opposition parties/candidates or their programmes, employment and equipping of armed groups and violent activities of any kind during campaigns are prohibited,” Ibrahim added.
INEC also called on electorates to collect their Permanent Voters Card, stressing that it remained the authentic visa to participating in election.
He said, “The Commission equally wishes to call on all those who registered from July 2021 to 14th January 2022 and those who requested for transfer, update or replacement of lost or damaged PVC from July 2021 to 30th June 2022 in Gombe State to visit the INEC LGA Office where their PUs are located to collect their PVCs so they can participate in the elections.”
