Mahmood Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday warned candidates and political parties not to start campaigns yet.

This warning was issued on Monday by the Chairman of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu while delivering his speech at the workshop for election professionals from the Commonwealth Africa Region organized by the Commonwealth in partnership with the Commission.

His words: “Let me also remind political parties and candidates that the end of primaries does not mean the immediate commencement of campaigns. Section 99(1) prohibits campaigns by political parties earlier than 90 days before polling day.”

“Going by the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the commission, campaign for Presidential and National Assembly elections should commence on November 18 while Governorship and State Assembly elections should start on December 1,” he added.

Mr. Yakubu called for strict adherence to the timetable released by the electoral body by political parties and candidates even as it also announced the dates for the submission of lists of candidates by political parties.

“May I seize this opportunity to remind political parties that the dates for the submission of list of candidates  (Form CFOO2) and their personal particulars (Forms C1001) for Presidential and National Assembly elections is October 10 to 18, 2018 while governorship and state assembly elections is 22 October to 2 November 2018,” Yakubu stressed.

The commission said it will receive the submission from political parties at Aso Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. daily, noting that the Commission has communicated these dates to all political parties as there would not be an extension of the deadlines.