The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said
campaigns for the presidential and national assembly elections
remain closed.
The INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said this at a press briefing
with major stakeholders on Saturday, explaining the reasons for the
postponement.
The commission postponed the election from February 16 to
February 23, citing logistics challenges.
Following the postponement, there had been questions and
concerns on campaigns, with many wondering if it would continue or
not.
Legally, campaigns are to be wrapped up 24 hours to the
elections. Hence, many had argued that since the election date was
rescheduled, campaigns should also continue till 24 hours to the
new date.
Osita Chidoka, a representative of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) raised concerns on the chairman’s statement on campaigns.
He appealed that campaigns continue so parties and candidates
can continue to inform and mobilise voters rather than stay silent
till the new date.
Reacting to this, the chairman said, “No political actors are
silent.”