The Credentials Committee for the 10th Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Triennial Delegates Conference, has announced that candidates seeking election into various elective offices, can begin campaign.
A statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Sectary of the committee, Mr Ezeogo Boniface Okoro and Bulak Afsa on Friday said the electioneering would commence from Saturday, September 19, 2020 and end on Sunday, November 8, 2020.
“As the candidates and their supporters take to the field for the campaigns, the Committee urges that issue-based campaigns, decency and decorum, should be their watchword.
“The Committee warns that no form of hate speech, character assassination, gutter language or malicious attacks by candidates during campaigns, would be tolerated as the Committee would not hesitate to sanction any candidate who indulges in mudslinging of opponents.
“Candidates are therefore expected to rein in members of their Campaign teams and supporters so that they do not go against the campaign guidelines.
“As the watchdog of society, it is imperative that we pioneer decent and transparent electoral process devoid of rancor and other associated ills that mar elections.
“Furthermore, candidates are advised to conduct their campaigns in line with COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.
“In deference to the COVID-19 protocols and to avoid taking unnecessary risks, candidates, particularly those vying for the position of National President, may wish to adopt Zonal campaigns, rather than traversing every state.
“What this entails is that Presidential candidates would launch their campaigns at Zonal levels while their supporters carry their campaigns to the states.
“With the aid of social media platforms, candidates could possibly reach their campaign targets,” the statement reads.