Edo election: Don’t wear campaign attire to polling units, INEC warns parties, supporters

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to political parties, their candidates, and supporters for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo State. They are prohibited from wearing campaign attire or bringing campaign materials to polling units on Election Day.

The Commission reminded all parties and candidates that official campaigning ends at midnight on Thursday, September 19, in line with the Electoral Act 2023.

Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee stated that any rallies or processions after the campaign period concludes are illegal.

The statement reads: “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.

“We urge parties, candidates and their supporters to take note of the provisions of the law for compliance.”