Estimated reading time: 5 minute(s)
Fawaz Adebisi & Sodiq Mobolaji
There was uproar at some polling units in Ogun State over campaign activities at the polling units on election day.
Section 126, 1 (g) and 2(c) 2022 Electoral Act as signed by President Buhari speaks against use of campaign materials or party symbols at polling units.
PLATFORMTIMES had earlier reported the pre-election activities in some areas in the state where INEC officials where seen removing campaign materials from polling units area.
Some other officials were however unbothered about campaign symbols at polling units.
Our reporters observed that the provisions of the act were flouted.
The electoral act says “on the day of which an election is held – (1) No person shall within the vicinity of a polling unit or collation centre (g) exhibit, wear or tender any notice, symbol, photograph or party card referring to the election;
“(2) No person shall do any of the following acts or things in a polling unit or within a distance of 300 metres of a polling unit on the date on which an election is held— (c) wear or carry any badge, poster, banner, flag or symbol relating to a political party or to the election.”
At Ososun polling unit in Ifo, a party agent was caught putting a party sticker on voter’s phone.
The development caused a tensed atmosphere at the unit till the officer in charge settled the matter in a civil way.
The governor’s campaign poster was all over a polling unit in Obafemi Owode. Though INEC officials made attempts of removing it on arrival but left some.
At Agbado area of Ifo, a woman was caught with cards belonging to PDP, APC and LP
Though the law recommends #100, 000 fine or six-month imprisonment for whoever is found culpable; none of those caught was held in custody.
The inability to prosecute is not unconnected to low number of security operatives on ground at the polling
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
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