The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will closely monitor political parties’ compliance with the limits on campaign spending ahead of the 2023 general election.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this in Abuja on Wednesday at the signing of peace accord by presidential candidates for peaceful campaign ahead of the 2023 poll.

The signing held at the International Conference Centre was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC).

Speaking at the event, Yakubu warned political parties against violent campaigns, saying INEC will vigorously monitor compliance to ensure that parties shun abusive, intemperate, or slanderous language as well as insinuations likely to provoke a breach of peace during the campaigns.

The INEC boss further called on political parties and candidates to study and familiarise themselves with the electoral legal framework to avoid any infraction of the law.

He said: “In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and in our determination to play our role as a regulator, the commission will vigorously monitor compliance to ensure that parties shun abusive, intemperate or slanderous language as well as insinuations or innuendoes likely to provoke a breach of the peace during the electioneering campaigns.

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“Similarly, the commission will also closely monitor compliance with the limits on campaign spending under the Electoral Act. There are sanctions provided by law. Political parties and candidates should study and familiarise themselves with the electoral legal framework to avoid any infraction of the law and the unhappy consequences that will follow any act of misdemeanour.

“The 2023 general election will be conducted for 1,491 constituencies nationwide made up of one Presidential constituency, 28 Governorship elections, 109 Senatorial Districts, 360 Federal constituencies, and 993 State Assembly constituencies.

“Every constituency is important. Every election is important. Therefore, the commitment to peaceful and issue-based electioneering campaign should resonate beyond the 18 party chairmen and presidential candidates present here today. It is not enough to simply sign the Peace Accord.

“What is more important is to abide by its letter and spirit. You should similarly pass the message to all your candidates, members and supporters across the country for compliance. This will be your own way of showing appreciation for the work of the NPC and an affirmation of your contribution to electoral peace in Nigeria.

The Star