The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bauchi State has
warned that any political party or politician who used religious sentiments for
their campaigns would pay N1 million fine or face 12 months of imprisonment.
This came following allegations that some politicians who were threatening some
PDP supporters in Darazo Local Government for their choice of presidential
candidate.
The State INEC Administrative Secretary, Emmanuel Umenger made this
known, yesterday, during an interactive session with stakeholders in the local
government, including traditional leaders, security agents, NYSC members and
party leaders, as part of the commission’s familiarization tour of the 20 local
government areas in the state.
According to the secretary, the commission detests electioneering campaigns
based on religious sentiments.
He therefore warned that any political party that was caught in the act will be
prosecuted.
“Section 102 of the electoral act as amended frowns against campaigns based
on religious sentiments. Campaigns by political parties should be issue- based
rather than along religious lines.
“The commission is equally against political parties intimidating the electorate
based on their choice of candidates. Electorates are always at liberty to vote
for any candidate they chose and should not be threatened because of their
choices,” Umenger said.
Speaking at the interactive session, the new state INEC Commissioner,
Professor Hamman Tukur Sa’ad condemned the intimidation of the electorates,
saying that any threat to life or property should be reported to security
agencies.
He warned against the politics of violence and urged local govrnment
authorities not to interfere in the electoral process.
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