The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ahead of the 2023 general elections, has banned campaigns in houses of worship.
This was in its six-page paper titled “Conduct of Political Rallies, Processions, and Campaigns (PDF).”
INEC banned the use of abusive language and hate speech in campaigns and political rallies.
Additionally, It warned that no one participating in a political rally, procession, or campaign should have any offensive weapon.
This excluded INEC law enforcement and security personnel assigned to patrol the area during political events can carry firearms.
Religious institutions, police stations, and government buildings are off-limits to political rallies.
It said:
“Neither the state apparatus nor the media shall be used to aid or hinder any political party or candidate at any election.”
According to INEC, political rallies aim to promote the party’s emblem, banner, slogan, and platform.
It, therefore, asked political parties to submit a notification of their campaign schedule no later than ten days before the start of their campaigns.
The notification would include detailing the date, time, venue, agenda, and list of members of the organising committee, as well as obtaining police approval within the jurisdiction of the campaigns.
According to INEC, parties and candidates should run campaigns based on the constitution and their manifestos.
Also, campaigns must follow the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, party codes of conduct, any regulations and guidelines that the National Broadcasting Commission may issue, COVID-19 safety protocols, and any other public health regulations and measures
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