Issued in Abuja: 12:00 noon, Tuesday, 18th October 2022
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) expresses concern over the recent attacks by political thugs at campaign rallies and urges political parties and political actors to call their supporters to order.
The recent attacks by political thugs at campaign rallies notably in Zamfara and Kaduna States contravene the provisions of Section 91 (4) and Section 93 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022. In accordance with Section 91(4) of the Act, registered political parties in Nigeria and their candidates should not be prevented from holding rallies, processions or meetings at any time for their constitutional political purposes. Section 93 (1) of the Act also states that a Party, candidate or group of persons shall not directly or indirectly threaten any person with the use of force or violence during any political campaign in order to compel that person or any other person to support or refrain from supporting a political party or candidate. Situation Room reminds political parties that a contravention of this provision attracts a fine of N2,000,000 in the first instance, and N500,000 for any subsequent offence. A fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 12 months follows suit for candidates or persons who violate the law.
Situation Room therefore calls on the Commissioner of Police in each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to provide adequate security for proper and peaceful conduct of political rallies and processions in their respective jurisdictions and arrest perpetrators of violence at campaign grounds with a view to bringing them to justice, in line with the provisions of Section 91(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Police Act and the Public Order Act.
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SIGNED:
Ene Obi
Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
Asma’u Joda
Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
James Ugochukwu
Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room