INEC warns parties, candidates against hate speech
Tamarauemi Ebimini
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned the 18 registered political parties fielding candidates for the 2023 general elections against any form of abusive language or hate speech capable of hampering the success of the elections.
The chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the warning on Monday in Lagos at the ongoing two-day media capacity building workshop on the commission’s progresses, innovations, preparations for the 2023 general elections and critical issues in the Electoral Act 2022.
The event was organised by INEC, European Union (EU) and DAI.
The warning was coming ahead of tomorrow’s formal commencement of campaign activities by the parties.
Prof. Yakubu, represented by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Festus Okoye, specifically urged all the registered parties to critically study and pay attention to the provisions of the constitution, Electoral Act, Police Act and Public Order Act for proper and peaceful conduct of political campaigns, rallies and processions.
He also charged the media on equal coverage and visibility to all political parties.
The INEC boss said the commission has entered a critical phase in the electoral process, as it has undertaken eight out of the 14 items on the Calendar and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Elections.
