PHOTO CREDIT: PREMIUM TIMES
In what appears as a surprise combination for the 2015 general election, posters of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and Emeka Ihedioha respectively, as President and Vice Presidential aspirants under the banner of All Progressives Congress (APC), Saturday, sprung up in major streets of Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Although both men are members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, those behind the posters said “We have decided our choice 2015”.
But the spokesman for Mr. Tambuwal, Imam Imam, issued a statement last night distancing the speaker from the emergence of the presidential posters, just as he urged those behind it to beware of the nation’s laws as regards premature political campaigns.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has consistently warned politicians and political parties against abuse of campaign laws in the country, especially with regards to the 2015 election.
The statement by Imam reads in part: “While we thank them for deeming us fit for elective office in the country, let it be known that since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not given the go-ahead for those interested in elective positions to start mobilisation, it is inappropriate for any person or group to print campaign posters and have them placed in strategic areas all over the country.
“Laws of the Federation are meant to be obeyed by the high and mighty. The Honourable Speaker will make known the direction he will take with regards to his political future at the appropriate time”.
The 2010 Electoral Act (as amended), stipulates that campaigns should commence 90 days before any election.
Section 99 (1-3) of the Electoral Act says: “For the purpose of this Act, 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.
“A registered political party which through any person acting on its behalf during the 24 hours before polling day”.
“Procures for publication or acquiesces in the publication of an advertisement in a Newspaper for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular candidates, commits an offence under this Act and upon conviction is liable to a maximum fine of N500, 000”.
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