From Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sokoto State has warned political parties and politicians in the State against not exceeding the approved campaign finances.
The INEC head of voter education and publicity, Muhammad Abbani Takai, gave this warning during an interactive session with leaders and members of the All Progressive Congress in Sokoto State.
Takai, who spoke on behalf of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, also promised to track campaign funds used by political parties during the forthcoming general elections.
“We advised candidates to strictly comply with the limits on election expenses contained in section 88 of the Electoral Act 2022 as the Commission has put formidable mechanisms in place.
“We are keen and determined to monitor and track all campaign finance activities during this general election. INEC will not spare anyone who violates its guidelines and rules which will be subject to fines or imprisonment or both.
”Candidates and parties’ spending limits have been spelt out by the commission and thus must not exceed the same” he stressed.
While urging political actors about the need for peaceful co-existence, INEC representatives also sought hate-free comments to entrench a rancour-free environment.
According to him: “Sections 92 & 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 are clear on conduct prohibited during campaigns. Political parties or candidates are to ensure that campaigns are not ‘tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings. Takai further explained.
On the ready to conduct fair and credible elections in the state, Takai noted that the Commission has newly introduced B-VAS technology aimed to further improve a credible exercise across the country.
In attendance at the meeting were the party’s governorship candidate, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, and all other party candidates for various elective positions across the state.
Also speaking, the INEC Public Relations Officer in the state, Ahmed Musa harped on the need to shun any form of violent acts by political supporters during the ongoing campaign.
“We urged you to encourage your supporters to shun hate speech, sensational messages, attacks on personalities, negative insinuations against opposing parties and candidates because it’s against the Electoral Act and any violation would attract sanctions.”
In his remarks, the state APC chairman, Hon Sadiq Isah Achida commended the Commission’s efforts towards improving the electoral process across the country, and urged it to always live above board.
The chairman assured the commission that APC in the state would not allow its supporters to perpetrate any act of violence, defacing of opponents’ billboards, posters or destruction.
In his address the APC governorship candidate in the state, Hon. Ahmad Aliyu enjoined the party members to be focused and work for the sole success of the party in all elective positions.