2023: INEC tasks politicians on promotion of politics of ideology

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday tasked politicians in the country to promote politics of ideology not abusive or derogatory language.

Mr Muhammad Takai, INEC Head of Voter Education, Sokoto State office, spoke at a meeting with candidates of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

According to Takai, the meeting was convened to highlight INEC guidelines and rules on tracking financing and general electioneering process and campaign activities of parties.

Takai said candidates and parties spending limits have been spelt out by INEC, which must not exceed same.

“The Electoral Act has spelt out that financial spending for the presidential campaigns should not exceed N5 billion, Governors N1 billion, Senator N100 million, House of Representatives and state Assemblies N70 million and N30 million, respectively,” he said.

The Head of voter education further said that INEC was ready to conduct transparent, free, credible and acceptable elections for the best future of Nigeria.

“Our focus is to detail and remind politicians and Nigerians of our mandate as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended and INEC Electoral Act.

“Politicians need to conduct and respect themselves in accordance with the guiding rules and regulations.

“Therefore, no abusive or derogatory language. Politicians should promote politics of ideology not sentiments,” Takai said.

Responding, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu, the state APC governorship candidate commended INEC for organising the sensitisation programme.

Aliyu assured that APC in the state would not allow its supporters to perpetrate any act of violence before, during and after the elections.

“In APC, we always promote peace and I want to specifically assure INEC that we will continue to base our activities on issues relevant to the development of people of Sokoto state.

“Moreover, peaceful exercise will reveal the mandate of our good people of Sokoto state and in APC, our participation is not a do or die affair.

“Therefore, our supporters will never promote any form of violence throughout the 2023 election process,” he said.

Earlier, Alhaji Isa Sadiq-Achida, the state APC chairman, acknowledged the efforts of INEC for “working its talk towards improving the electoral process for the country to be among the best democracies of the world.

“APC will be the happiest if INEC insists on its guidelines and rules. Our party in Sokoto state is the most popular party with tremendous support of the people.

“Therefore, INEC should remain truly independent against external and internal saboteurs. They should not allow themselves to be used as a willing tool,” he urged.