INEC Slams Anambra Ruling Party for Electoral Obstruction, Threatens Legal Action Over Denial of Campaign Access

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has voiced deep concern over what it describes as a troubling pattern of suppression directed at opposition parties in Anambra State. This suppression, according to the Commission, includes the consistent denial of access to public facilities necessary for electioneering activities.

Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, sounded the alarm during the second regular consultative meeting with the leadership of political parties. The meeting, held at INEC’s Abuja headquarters, provided a platform for discussing critical electoral matters, including preparations for upcoming elections and the continuous voter registration exercise.

Yakubu detailed what he called a "recurring trend" of politically motivated obstruction orchestrated by the ruling party in Anambra. He explained that opposition groups have frequently lodged complaints about being denied usage of public buildings, state media platforms, and open spaces where rallies and political gatherings are typically held.

Worryingly, Yakubu noted, the situation appears to be worsening. Apart from barring opposition parties from using public venues, the governing party allegedly imposes exorbitant fees on advertising space, a move interpreted as a calculated attempt to stifle alternative political voices in the state.

According to the INEC chairman, such practices are not only unethical but also unlawful. He pointed to clear provisions in the Electoral Act 2022, which explicitly outlaw the use of incumbency to either benefit or hinder any political actor. "These actions are a violation of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate," Yakubu said firmly during the session.

INEC, he disclosed, is not prepared to watch passively as the law is flouted. To that end, the Commission intends to deepen its collaboration with both the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). These partnerships, Yakubu stated, are part of a broader strategy to not only expose such violations but also to explore legal action where sufficient evidence is presented.

Yakubu’s remarks sent a strong signal to state actors across the country, especially those who might attempt to tilt the electoral playing field in their favor using state instruments. The Commission’s tone suggests a readiness to enforce existing laws, particularly in volatile political environments where opposition parties are often marginalized.

Beyond addressing political suppression, the electoral body also provided updates on the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. As part of nationwide preparations for upcoming elections, INEC announced that CVR activities will recommence on August 18 with an online pre-registration phase. This will be followed by in-person registration starting on August 25, to be conducted simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

For Anambra State, which is preparing for a crucial gubernatorial election, a more focused voter registration window has been arranged. The exercise is scheduled to begin on July 8 and run through July 17. During this period, registration will take place across all 326 wards in the state, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily, including weekends.

The process is open to new voters, those seeking to transfer their voter registration to or within Anambra, as well as individuals needing replacements for lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Additionally, uncollected PVCs from past registration drives will be made available at the designated centers.

While the online pre-registration platform will be temporarily unavailable for Anambra, INEC stressed that physical presence at registration centers remains essential. Yakubu reminded political parties and citizens that the voter registration and updating process must be concluded no later than 90 days before the election date, in line with legal stipulations.

Eligible citizens were encouraged to participate in the process, as the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral process.

INEC’s assertive stance on political fairness, coupled with its proactive voter engagement plan, signals a robust electoral season ahead. The coming months will test the Commission’s capacity to enforce compliance and protect democratic space, especially in politically charged environments like Anambra.