The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has prohibited
public campaigning by presidential candidates until November 18.
This is in line with the timelines given by the agency and
the provisions of the Electoral Act, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said.
Yakubu reminded political parties and candidates that the
end of primaries did not mean the immediate commencement of campaigns.
He advised the parties and their candidates to follow
the electoral timetable.
“Section 99(1) prohibits campaigns by political parties
earlier than 90 days before polling day.
“Therefore, going by the provisions of the Electoral Act and
the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the Commission, campaign for
Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on Nov. 18.
“Campaign for Governorship and State Assembly elections
begins on Dec. 1.
“I call upon political parties and candidates to strictly adhere
to these dates,’’ he said.
Yakubu said that with the conclusion of primaries by
political parties yesterday, the next activity was the nomination of candidates
to the commission.
