The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Katsina State has cautioned politicians and political parties to avoid using provocative and abusive words during campaigns in the state.
Head of the Commission’s Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim-Umar, gave the caution at a stakeholders forum in Katsina, last Friday.
Ibrahim-Umar insisted that political campaigns should be conducted in a peaceful, orderly and matured manner.
Explaining that, “Electoral Act 2022 Section 92 (1-6) stipulates how political campaign should be conducted”, he said the law provided that “a political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly, especially such is likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.
“Also, Electoral Act 2022 Section 92 (1) says political campaigns, rallies and processions should not be conducted in places designated for religious worship, police stations, and other public offices”.
Ibrahim-Umar further warned that political campaigns should also not promote, propagate or attack political parties, candidates, their programmes or ideologies.
“Political parties and contestants need to internalise what constitutes campaign regulations or restrictions as contained in the Electoral Act 2022, to avoid committing an offence that is liable to conviction to fine, imprisonment, or both.
“As the saying goes, ‘ignorance of the law is not an excuse’.
“Transparency in these areas boosts confidence in the election processes on the part of contestants and voters.
“This may serve to shed light on any unfair practices or potential abuses of state power where they exist.” Ibrahim-Umar said.