2023: Shun Abusive Language, INEC Cautions Parties

Political parties have been cautioned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),  against the use of abusive language and acts likely to provoke violence or emotions in their campaigns for the 2023 general election.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated at the opening of a two-day capacity workshop for members of INEC Press Corps on critical issues in the Electoral Act, 2022 in preparations for the 2023 General Election in Lagos on Monday.

Represented by Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mahmoud urged all registered political parties to critically study and pay attention to the provisions of laws for proper and peaceful conduct of political campaigns, rallies and processions.

The laws according to Mahmood included the Constitution, the Electoral Act, the Police Act and the Public Order Act.

“A political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.

“Abusive, intemperate, slanderous or base language or innuendoes designed or likely to provoke violent reaction or emotions shall not be employed or used in political campaigns,” Yakubu said.