INEC Bans Buhari, Atiku And Others From Campaigning

There should be no public campaigning by presidential candidates until November 18, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said yesterday.

This is in line with the timelines given by the agency and the provisions of the Electoral Act, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said.

He advised parties and their candidates to adhere to the electoral timetable during a workshop for election professionals from the Commonwealth Africa Region.

Yakubu reminded political parties and candidates that the end of primaries did not mean the immediate commencement of campaigns.

“Section 99(1) prohibits campaigns by political parties earlier than 90 days before polling day.

“Therefore, going by the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the Commission, campaign for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on Nov. 18.

“Campaign for Governorship and State Assembly elections begins on Dec. 1.

“I call upon political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to these dates,’’ he said.

Yakubu said that with the conclusion of primaries by political parties yesterday, the next activity was the nomination of candidates to the commission.