campaigns ahead of the rescheduled presidential and National Assembly
elections slated for February 23, 2019.According to a statement signed by Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and
Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, issued on Monday,
INEC noted that the commission took the decision after reviewing its
preparations for the elections, as well as consultations with political
parties.
The campaigns are expected to end officially by midnight on Thursday,
February 21, 2019.
The statement read: “After consultations with political parties, the
Commission has approved that campaigns by parties and candidates can
resume forthwith and end by midnight of Thursday, 21st February, 2019.
“Media organisations are at liberty to accept, publish, broadcast and
circulate campaign materials up till midnight of Thursday, 21st February,
2019. Political parties and their candidates are enjoined to abide by the
extant laws governing campaigns.”
The commission also thanked Nigerians for their understanding regarding
the rescheduling of the elections, just as it appealed to stakeholders to
be “dispassionate and circumspect in their comments”.
“The Commission is focusing on the elections to be held on 23rd February
and 9th March to ensure that they are free, fair and credible. We urge all
Nigerians to participate fully in the elections, notwithstanding the
disappointment,” the statement added.
A press conference on the updated preparations of the commission is
scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at the International Conference
Centre in Abuja at 3pm.