The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Monday, reversed its order banning political campaigns before the rescheduled commencement of the general election in the country.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced the ban on campaigns on Saturday during a meeting with stakeholders over the postponement of the general election.
He was answering a question from one of those present at the meeting.
The order has since generated controversy with many stakeholder arguing that it was against the provision of the Electoral Act which stipulates that campaigns should stop 24 hours to election.
The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, threatened to continue their campaigns.
But in a sudden change of decision, INEC announced the reversal of its order on Monday, shortly after its meeting.
The announcement was made by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, in a statement.
The commission stated that the campaigns would end midnight of Thursday.
The statement reads:
“Media organisations are at liberty to accept, publish, broadcast and circulate campaign materials up till midnight of Thursday.
“Political Parties and their candidates are enjoined to abide by the extant laws governing campaigns.
“The Commission wishes to thank all Nigerians for their understanding regarding the rescheduling of the elections. We appeal to stakeholders to be dispassionate and circumspect in their comments.”
