ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that it will not hesitate to fine any political party that presents a candidate that does not meet the qualifications stipulated in the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
A statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye, made available to newsmen said any party contravenes the order, on conviction is liable to a fine of N500,000.
The statement added that in keeping with its tradition of engaging with stakeholders, the commission had arranged to meet political parties on Tuesday, January 18, civil society organisations on Wednesday, January 19, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) on Thursday, January 20 and media organisations on Friday, January 21, 2022.
The electoral body stressed its preparedness for the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory holding on Saturday, February 12, 2022 as well as other outstanding elections for the year 2022 after its review meeting.
It further stated that it was finalizing all arrangements for the election, adding that Permanent Voters Cards for all new registrants as well as requests for transfers and replacement of damaged cards had been printed and are available in all the six area councils for collection.
The commission appealed to citizens who applied for fresh registration as well as transfers and replacement of the PVCs to do so immediately and avoid last last-minute rush for the cards like in the past.
The statement added that all pending by-elections for six constituencies in four states would be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 immediately after the FCT Area Council elections to enable the commission focus on the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and ongoing preparations for the 2023 general elections.
The electoral body explained that the FCT was the only part of Nigeria where INEC conducts local government elections and a total of 475 candidates sponsored by all the 18 political parties are vying for the 68 constituencies involving six area council chairmen and 62 councilors.
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