APGA Chieftain urges INEC to enforce law on political campaigns

April 5, 2018

 

By Ijendu Iheaka

A Chieftain of All People’s Grand Alliance, (APGA) in Abia, Chief Ahamdi Nweke has called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to check ongoing campaigns by politicians ahead of 2019 elections.

Nweke disclosed this during an interview with our reporter in Aba on Wednesday.

Nwke said that it was unlawful for politicians to have begun campaigns when INEC had not permitted it.

He said that the law is very clear on the matter noting that nobody should start electoral campaigns until 90 days to the election while they must stop 24 hours before the election.

Nweke said that according to the Electoral Act 2010, Section 99, 1 and 2 spelt out the punishment for campaigning in the open 90 days before or 24 hours to the election. 

He said that the billboards and posters of different individuals being sighted in the towns showed the lawlessness of political office holders and aspirants who have started campaigning.

“I think that INEC should do what they should do at all times. They should ensure that the law is obeyed. You should not make a law you are not ready to enforce”, he said.

He said that everybody including political office holders should have respect for the law.

Nweke said that as a people aspiring to contest, win election in order to lead others, the political class should live exemplary lives by obeying the law.

He urged members of his party, the APGA to say no to the temptation of starting early campaigns before the lifting of the ban by INEC as it was lawless and not fit for leaders.

Our reporter notes that in Abia state some political office holders have started placing their posters and billboards in the communities and on radio to announce their interest to contest in the coming elections.