…as public campaigns officially end
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday commenced the distribution of sensitive materials to the 18 local government areas of Edo State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
This comes as the Commission also has called on political parties to suspend all campaign activities, saying campaigns end Thursday night.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Onuoha Anugbum, confirmed the distribution of materials while speaking to journalists at the Benin branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“We are here, we have commenced the distribution of sensitive materials to the local government areas,” Anugbum said.
The CBN premises at Ring Road by Akpakpava Junction, where the distribution process was being done, witnessed the presence of scores of journalists across the print, electronic and online media, political party leaders, stakeholders, CSOs, and observer groups who were on ground to witness the distribution.
Similarly, scores of commercial buses hired by INEC to facilitate the distribution process were seen lined up at the bank’s side of the road.
The development created gridlock in the area as traffic was only opened to one lane on the busy road.
On the close of campaign, INEC National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, warned of prohibitions, including sanctions, if political parties and their supporters are found campaigning after midnight of September 19.
“It is illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions or media campaigns from midnight,” Olumekun said in a statement on Thursday.
The Commission further instructed parties, candidates and their supporters not to appear at the polling units in their campaign attires or carry any campaign materials with them.
“The Commission wishes to remind political parties that in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, and item 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2024 Edo State Governorship election, all campaigns by political parties end at midnight today, Thursday 19th September 2024.
“It is therefore illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions or media campaigns from midnight today. These prohibitions, including sanctions, are provided for in Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“Similarly, on Election Day, Saturday 21st September 2024, parties, candidates and their supporters should not appear at the polling units in their campaign attires or carry any campaign materials with them,” he said.
