Preparatory to the 2018 gubernatorial election in Ekiti the Independent National Electoral Commission has warned politicians against contravening the electoral law in the state.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Abdulganiy Raji, who gave this warning on Wednesday, said anyone, who flouted the commission’s electoral provisions would face the wrath of the law.
The INEC commissioner spoke during his visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti as part of his familiarisation tour of media organisations.
It will be recalled that Raji resumed duty as a Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state on August 21.
He said that Section 99 of the Electoral Act as amended, stated the rules and regulations guiding elections and it was expected to be adhered to strictly.
Raji said: “This is an opportunity to tell our politicians, especially the political aspirants that the time for campaign has yet to come.
“According to the Electoral Act, there should be no campaign until 90 days to the elections.
“I want to appeal to newsmen to assist INEC in educating the aspirants on the rules and regulations guiding elections.
“Most of the aspirants hide under empowerment programmes, meetings and other programmes to embark on electioneering campaign.
“We are not saying that they should not empower people, but they should do it within the purview of the Electoral Act.”
Also speaking, the Administrative Secretary of INEC in the state, Dr Muslim Omoleke, thanked the union for its support, but urged it not to take side with any party while discharging its duties.
Omoleke said: “Let me appeal to newsmen to join hands with us as we approach 2018, we all know the importance of this year to the state, we should sustain the existing peace.
“Please, always draw our attention to anything you observe that may tamper with the peace of the state.
“I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate the various security agencies in the state for their resilience, commitment and dedication to the sustenance of peace in the state.”
In his welcome address, the NUJ state council chairman, Chief Laolu Omosilade, assured the commissioner of the union’s support with INEC in the forthcoming election.
Omosilade said: “NUJ, INEC and the various security agencies are partners in progress, and I want to assure you that in togetherness we shall succeed.
“The 2018 election will be peaceful because we in Ekiti are principled and educated.’’
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