The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has warned candidates and political parties not to start campaigns yet, Premium Times reports.
The chairman of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu, made this known on Monday in his speech at the workshop for election professionals from the Commonwealth Africa Region organised by the Commonwealth in partnership with the commission.
Going by the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the commission, campaign for Presidential and National Assembly elections should commence on November 18 while Governorship and State Assembly elections should start on December 1.
Mr Yakubu called for strict adherence to this timetable by political parties and candidates.
The electoral chief’s warning follows the conclusion of presidential and governorship primaries by parties and adoption of candidates.
Some of the presidential candidates who have emerged are Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Omoyele Sowore of African Action Congress (AAC), Fela Durotoye of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), Tope Fasua of the Abundance Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Obiageli Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) amongst many others.
The commission also announced the dates for the submission of lists of candidates by political parties.
The commission said it will receive the submission from political parties at Aso Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. daily.
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