2023: Seven Election Day Offences Every Nigerian Must Avoid

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has, ahead of the 2023 general elections, warned of some election-day offences that electorates must avoid.

Naija News reports that the electoral body revealed the offences in an election-day guideline made available on its official website.

Barring last-minute decisions, the 2023 general election will commence on February 25th, starting with the presidential and members of the Senate and House of Representatives elections. The gubernatorial elections will follow on March 11, 2023, across 31 out of 36 states.

While all eligible voters are expected to visit their respective polling units for the civic exercise, INEC has warned about seven offences.

2023 Election Day Offences Are:

1. Campaign for votes or persuade a voter not to vote for a candidate – INEC has frowned at this. All campaign activities are supposed to have ended before election day. Hence, no political agent or group is expected to engage in a campaign or try to induce voters on election day.
2. Shout slogans concerning the election or in support of any party
3. Be in possession of an offensive weapon or wear any apparel calculated to intimidate voters;
4. Use a vehicle bearing the colour or symbol of a political party or candidate;
5. Loiter without lawful excuse after voting or after being refused to vote;
6. Snatch or destroy any election materials; and
7. Blare siren.

INEC has assured security operatives would be on the ground to deal with violators to ensure a safe, free, fair and credible election.

2023 Election: INEC More Corrupt Than Police – Odinkalu

Meanwhile, INEC has been accused of being more corrupt than the Nigerian Police Force.

Naija News reports that the allegation was levelled against the electoral body week before the presidential election by the former Chairman of Nigeria National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu.

Odinkalu accused the electoral umpire in Abuja last Friday at a Colloquium tagged ‘Nigeria in 2023: What does Nigeria need now? organised by Fundacion Exito.

The human activist claimed that INEC is Nigeria’s most corrupt federal government agency. According to him, the corruption in INEC only happens every four when they collect big money.

He explained that the difference between INEC and the police force was that their own corruption is seasonal.

Odinkalu further asserted that everybody in INEC is corrupt, from its chairman to the cleaner.

He said that for Nigeria to get it right, INEC and the judiciary must attain a certain height of perfection.