2019: Don’t use state resources against your opponents – INEC warns office holders

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has warned incumbent office holders against using
state resources or apparatuses for their campaigns, or deploying same
against their opponents.

He issued the warning on Monday in Abuja at a lecture titled:
"Political corruption and other emerging issues for the 2019
elections", organised by the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) in
partnership with Christian Voice to the People (V2P) and Hope Givers
Initiative (HOG-I).

Yakubu noted that the commission has the power to monitor campaign
financing and sources of funds according to the Constitution and the
Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

Yakubu, who was represented by a National Commissioner, Prof. Antonia
Okoosi-Simbine, stressed that the commission, in line with its powers
as provided for in Section F(15) in the Third Schedule of the
Constitution, is well-positioned to, among others, monitor the
campaign and finances of political parties for the 2019 general
elections.

He added: "Another interesting area of campaign finance spending to
watch out for is the use of state administrative resources by
incumbents, particularly now that the campaigns have fully kicked off.

"Section 100 (2) of the EA provides that 'state apparatus shall not be
employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or
candidate at any election'."