The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, tasked politicians in the country to promote politics of ideology and avoid abusive or derogatory language.
Mrs Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, the INEC Administrative Secretary in Sokoto state made the call at a meeting with the executives and candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
She said the meeting was convened to give highlights in INEC guidelines and rules on tracking financing and general electioneering process and campaign activities of parties.
According to her, candidates and parties’ spending limits have been spelt out by INEC, which must not exceed same.
“The Electoral Act has spelt out that financial spending for the presidential campaigns should not exceed N5 billion , Governors N1 billion, Senator N100 million, House of Representatives and state Assemblies N70 million and N30 million, respectively,” she said.
Delivering a lecture, Muhammad Takai the head Head of voter education further said that INEC was ready to conduct transparent, free, credible and acceptable elections for the best future of Nigeria.
“Our focus is to detail and remind politicians and Nigerians of our mandate as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended and INEC Electoral Act .
“Politicians need to conduct and respect themselves in accordance with the guiding rules and regulations .
“Therefore, no abusive or derogatory language. Politicians should promote politics of ideology not sentiments,” Takai said.
Responding, the state PDP chairman, Hon Bello Aliyu Goronyo , acknowledged the efforts of INEC for “working its talk towards improving the electoral process for the country to be among the best democracies of the world.
The chairman explained that PDP as a law abiding party, will be the happiest if INEC insists on its guidelines and rules . Our party in Sokoto state is the most popular party with tremendous support of the people.
Hon Bello Aliyu Goronyo used the medium and called on INEC to remain truly independent against external and internal saboteurs. They should not allow themselves to be used as a willing tool,” he urged.
During the meeting, candidates interact with INEC officials on how to face 2023 general elections.
