The Independent National Electoral Commission-INEC has okayed the resumption of political campaigns.
This comes a day after the Chairman of the commission Prof Professor Yakubu Mahmood said that campaigns had closed. He said this during a press conference on Saturday where the commission explained its reasons for postponing the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, February 16 at the last minute.
Read Also: Full Speech: INEC Chairman Gives Reasons For Election Postponement, Pleads For Understanding
He addressed the issue because following the postponement, many questions were asked and concerns raised on whether of not campaigns would continue or not.
Legally, campaigns are to be wrapped up 24 hours to the elections. Hence, many had argued that since the election date was rescheduled, campaigns should also continue till 24 hours to the new date.
But now, in a new press statement issued by the commission a few minutes ago, INEC has rescinded its initial decision. In the statement by Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said it took the new decision after reviewing its preparations for the elections, and consulting with political parties.
The campaigns are expected to end officially by midnight on Thursday, February 21, 2019.
The statement read:
“After consultations with political parties, the Commission has approved that campaigns by parties and candidates can resume forthwith and end by midnight of Thursday, 21st February, 2019.
“Media organisations are at liberty to accept, publish, broadcast and circulate campaign materials up till midnight of Thursday, 21st February, 2019. Political parties and their candidates are enjoined to abide by the extant laws governing campaigns.”
The commission also thanked Nigerians for their understanding regarding the rescheduling of the elections, just as it appealed to stakeholders to be “dispassionate and circumspect in their comments”.
“The Commission is focusing on the elections to be held on 23rd February and 9th March to ensure that they are free, fair and credible. We urge all Nigerians to participate fully in the elections, notwithstanding the disappointment,” the statement added.
A press conference on the updated preparations of the commission is scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at the International Conference Centre in Abuja at 3pm.
