By Temitope Adedeji
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the guidelines for political campaigns, as well as election expenses of political parties, candidates and aspirants.
This was disclosed in a statement by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.
He said the management of the commission met on Thursday and deliberated on several issues including the publication and release of the guidelines, which includes the appointment of a Secretary to the Commission.
“The commission approved the publication and release of the guidelines for the Conduct of Political Rallies, Processions and Campaigns as well as that of Finances and Election Expenses of political parties, Candidates and Aspirants.”
According to Okoye, the Commission has uploaded the two documents to its website and social media handles, adding that copies would be given to political parties, civil society groups, the media and other critical stakeholders.
He added that political parties must submit the required reports to the commission in accordance with the provisions of Section 90(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and the applicable sanctions for failure to comply as provided in Section 89(4) of the Electoral Act.
Okoye further revealed that INEC also approved the reappointment of the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, for a second and final term of four years, with effect from December 7, in accordance with Section 8 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Oriaran-Anthony is the second female Secretary of the commission and the first to have her tenure renewed.
Meanwhile, Okoye noted that Section 88 of the Electoral Act provides that “The maximum election expenses to be incurred by a candidate at a presidential election shall not exceed N5,000,000,000.”
“The maximum amount of election expenses to be incurred by a candidate in respect of governorship election shall not exceed N1,000,000,000” while Section 88 (8) provides that “No individual or other entity shall donate to a candidate more than N50,000,000.”
