The Nigeria Police has warned politicians and political parties not to heat up the polity as campaign for 2019 elections begin.
DSP Anjuguri Manzah, Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, gave the warning in a statement on Sunday.
He appealed to all players to abide by the rules and conduct themselves appropriately.
Manzah said: “Sequel to the commencement of campaigns by political parties on November 18, 2018, the FCT Police Command wishes to advice all political parties and aspirants vying for various political positions in FCT in the forthcoming general elections to be law abiding and carry-out their campaigns in accordance with the provisions of the electoral act.
“They are also enjoined to rein-in on their respective supporters to eschew any act that could bring about breakdown of law and order in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Similarly, political parties are advised to provide the Command with prior notice of all their political activities, especially those that will attract the large gathering of people for adequate security arrangement and coverage.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday lifted ban on campaign for 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections slated for Feb. 16, 2019
A statement by Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, INEC Director Of Voter Education and Publicity, on Saturday, said the commencement of campaigns was in line with the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the INEC.
He added that it was also in accordance with Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) which provides that “the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day”.
“Political parties are expected to conduct their activities in an organized and peaceful manner, devoid of rancor, hate and/or inflammatory speeches.”
He reminded political parties and their candidates that campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly would commence on Dec. 1.
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