The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned it will not spare political parties and their candidates who heat up the polity through provocative speeches during campaigns.
The Public Relations Officer of INEC in Gombe State, Mr Emmanuel Morett, gave the warning at a two-day training for election observers held at the American Corner in Bauchi.
The training was organised by Leadtots and Human Development Services for youth and civil society organisations drawn from Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi and Taraba states, as well as the media and other stakeholders.
Morett stated that INEC would not fold its arms and watch politicians heat up the polity unnecessarily, stating that there were laws guiding campaigns and political parties and their candidates must adhere strictly to them.
He decried vote-buying in the electoral process, saying that the commission was collaborating with security agencies to stem the rising tide.
“There is so much monetisation of the electoral process. INEC is very worried about the use of money at the polling units. We are collaborating with the EFCC and the ICPC to tackle vote buying.
“It is an offence and the INEC frowns on it. We will not hesitate to call security agencies where we know there are incidents of vote- buying.”
The INEC spokesman further called on Nigerians to come out in 2019 and determine the legitimacy of the government that would represent them.
He said, “The law is clear on campaigns; there shouldn’t be hate or inflammatory speeches because they heat up the polity. Politicians are expected to maintain decorum as they seek for votes in accordance with the laws of the country.”
