APGA Calls On Political Parties to Uphold Electoral Integrity, Respect Campaign Timelines

Written by Nduka Anyanwu

The National Chairman of APGA, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa had the distinct privilege to participate alongside other key stakeholders at a crucial Roundtable organized by the Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

The focus was on a pressing issue threatening the integrity of our electoral process: **‘THE MENACE OF PREMATURE CAMPAIGNS BY POLITICAL PARTIES.’** 

The session, chaired by Honourable Mr. Sam Olumekun, mni, the National Commissioner and Chair of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), brought together representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, and electoral experts, all united by a shared commitment to preserving the sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy.

As a panelist, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa addressed the critical importance of adhering strictly to Nigeria’s legal framework governing electoral campaigns. 

Central to this discussion was Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which clearly stipulates the permissible period for campaigns. It is a provision designed not as an inconvenience but as a safeguard to ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility in our elections.

Premature campaigns are more than just a breach of rules—they threaten to distort the level playing field that INEC works tirelessly to maintain. They create an uneven battleground where early momentum, propaganda, and misinformation can undermine genuine political discourse.

Such actions, if left unchecked, could compromise the legitimacy of electoral outcomes and erode public confidence in our democracy.

For us in APGA, the National Chairman reiterates that their guiding principle remains issue-based politics conducted within the bounds of the law. We believe that respecting the prescribed timelines is not merely about compliance; it is about safeguarding the integrity of our democratic process.

It is a constitutional obligation for all political actors to subordinate personal ambitions to the rule of law, ensuring that our elections are free, fair, and credible, he concludes.

APGA’s unwavering commitment is to promote a political culture rooted in legality, issue-based debate, and respect for democratic institutions.

We recognize that a vibrant democracy depends on the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to uphold the rules that have been put in place to protect it.

In conclusion, the National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa calls on all political parties, candidates, and supporters to prioritize the spirit of fair play and to respect the legal timelines established by INEC.

Let us remember that democracy is not just about winning elections but about building a nation where trust, fairness, and justice reign supreme he opined

Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s electoral process remains credible and that our democracy continues to thrive for generations to come he reemphasized

Author 

Mr. Nduka Anyanwu, Special Adviser Media to APGA National Chairman