BY OBUTE JAMES
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday said campaign for presidential and National Assembly elections will start on Sunday November 18 ahead of the elections slated for February 16, 2019.
A statement issued by by INEC via its director of Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi on Saturday in Abuja said political parties who fielded candidates for both elections would commence campaigns across the country.
Similarly, the former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar will start his campaign on Monday November 19, 2018.
Atiku will commence his campaign through Facebook on Monday.
A statement issued by Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation on Saturday said Abubakar would use the address to launch his policy document.
“In his address, the PDP presidential candidate will present his vision for Nigeria and his action plan to achieve it as encapsulated in his policy document,” the statement said.
It said Abubakar’s decision to kick-start his presidential campaign with the launch of his policy document is to reiterate his commitment to run an issue-based campaign.
“The intention is to take our policy directly to Nigerians and to register the belief of Abubakar that it will take the collective efforts of every Nigerian to rebuild the country.
“That is why we want Nigerians to access the policy directly and ultimately take ownership of it,” the statement said.
It added that the campaign of the organisation would offer a simple message: “United, the people of Nigeria can begin anew, creating a prosperous and secure future and a better life for every Nigerian.”
According to Mr Osaze-Uzzi the commencement of campaigns was in line with the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the INEC.
He added that it was also in accordance with Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) which provides that “the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day”.
“Political Parties are expected to conduct their activities in an organized and peaceful manner, devoid of rancor, hate and/or inflammatory speeches.”
He reminded political parties and their candidates that campaigns for governorship and state houses of assembly would commence on December 1, 2018.