Campaign With Religious Sentiments Attracts A Fine Of N1m – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in
Bauchi State has warned that any political party or
politician who used religious sentiments for their
campaigns would pay N1 million fine or face 12 months of
imprisonment.

This came following allegations that some politicians who
were threatening some PDP supporters in Darazo Local
Government for their choice of presidential candidate.
The State INEC Administrative Secretary, Emmanuel
Umenger made this known, yesterday, during an
interactive session with stakeholders in the local
government, including traditional leaders, security agents,
NYSC members and party leaders, as part of the
commission’s familiarization tour of the 20 local
government areas in the state.

According to the secretary, the commission detests
electioneering campaigns based on religious sentiments.
He therefore warned that any political party that was
caught in the act will be prosecuted.

“Section 102 of the electoral act as amended frowns
against campaigns based on religious sentiments.
Campaigns by political parties should be issue- based
rather than along religious lines.

“The commission is equally against political parties
intimidating the electorate based on their choice of
candidates. Electorates are always at liberty to vote for
any candidate they chose and should not be threatened
because of their choices,” Umenger said.

Speaking at the interactive session, the new state INEC
Commissioner, Professor Hamman Tukur Sa’ad
condemned the intimidation of the electorates, saying that
any threat to life or property should be reported to
security agencies.

He warned against the politics of violence and urged local
govrnment authorities not to interfere in the electoral
process.