Benin, Nigeria – Ahead of the Sept. 21 Edo governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on all political parties participating in the election to abide by the electoral guidelines.
Dr Anugbum Onuoha, Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), made the call during an interactive session with traditional, religious, and political party leaders in Edo on Thursday in Benin.
Onuoha said political parties did not play by the rules by not informing the commission about the commencement of their campaigns.
“The campaigns started on April 24. It is our duty to monitor campaigns to ensure that the political parties play by the rules
“At the local government level, inform the Electoral officers that you are going for campaigns and billboards should not be destroyed.”
Onuoha said the interaction session became necessary to inform the stakeholders on progress being made as regards the conduct of the Edo governorship election.
He said the commission was ready to furnish all political parties with relevant information that would lead to a peaceful, free and credible Edo governorship election.
He also assured the parties of a level playing ground without compromise and favouritism.
He intimated the stakeholders that the official publication of voters register would be done on Aug. 20 with copies presented to the different political parties.
He noted that the recruitment of observers for the election has been concluded while recruitment of ad hoc staff was ongoing.
He said that the commission had accomplished nine out of its 13 point agenda set for the conduct of the Edo governorship election.
Responding to questions from stakeholders, the REC said the Edo State Security Network would not be part of security agencies for the election.
He said that vote buying and selling were electoral offences, noting that perpetrators would be prosecuted by the relevant authorities.
He added that BVAS for the election were being configured, and the logistics arrangement had kick started.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the session, Alhaji Abudulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman, Edo Council for Islamic Affairs, commended INEC for the progress made so far.
Abudulazeez, however, urged the commission to intensify measures to ensure that problems faced during previous elections were tackled.
He also urged political parties and other relevant stakeholders to abide by the electoral guidelines towards a credible and peaceful Edo Election.
