As the 2023 general elections are fast approaching, the Sokoto State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammed Usaini Gumel, has drawn the attention of the general public to actively participate in the promotion of uniformity of intentions among the electorates, all candidates contesting elective positions, government and security officials for free, fair and credible election to thrive.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Sanusi Abubakar, in a statement, said, the Police Command also further draws citizens’ attention to avoid falling on any of the following electoral offences stated in the Electoral Act, 2022 as amended:
- Voting by unregistered persons: Attempt by unregistered persons to vote without PVC violates Part VII, No. 124 of the Electoral Act and you could be liable to 6 months jail term or N100,000 fine, or both.
- Secrecy in voting Exposing voters’ confidentiality violates Part VII No. 122 of the Electoral Act. Electoral officers, candidates, or party agents who pay to ask voters for evidence is punishable with N100,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment, or both.
- Vote buying: Vote-buying or selling with money, contract or public office, etc violates Part VII No. 121 of the Electoral Act and punishable with N500,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment, or both.
- Disorderliness at polling units: Public disorder, arguments, struggles in queues, possession of weapons at polling units Part VII No. 125 of Electoral Act and punishable with N500,000 fine or 12 months in jail or both.
- Wrongful voting and false statement: Voting illegally or falsely publishing a candidate’s withdrawal or personal character violates Part VII No. 123 of the Electoral Act and punishable with N100,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both.
- Threat: Direct or indirect threat with violence to compel or refrain voters or other freedom during an election violates Part VII No 128 of the Electoral Act and punishable with N1,000,000 fine or three years in prison.
- Undue influence: Giving or accepting monetary or other inducements before or during an election to refrain from voting on election day violates Part VII No. 127 of the Electoral Act and punishable with N100,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both.
- Snatching or destruction of election materials: Snatching or destruction of election materials or devices violates Part VII No. 126 of Electoral Act and punishable with 24 months imprisonment.
- Impersonating Electoral official:
This attracts N1,000,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment or both.
- Other offenses: These include: Unlawful possession of a ballot paper, illegal printing of ballot papers or illegal production or importation of ballot boxes all attract a fine of N50,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than 10 years or both.
In view of the foregoing, the Command reiterates its determination to decisively dealt with violators in accordance with the provision of the Electoral Act and the Constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other extant laws.
However, the command is equally using this medium to bring to the notice of law-abiding citizens in the State especially political parties and candidates to prevail on their members and followers to always note and remain guided on the provisions of the aforementioned electoral offences.
The Command, therefore, expresses its appreciation for the continuing cooperation of all critical stakeholders in particular those that attended its maiden stakeholders Colloquium and the subsequent support and understanding of the command being enjoyed during the ongoing political parties’ campaigns.
Specifically, the command appreciates the enormous support from the NBA, Judiciary, media houses, NUJ, Zonal NBC, and the umpire; INEC on all they are doing to sensitize the public and encourage them to keep promoting the wide circulation of the jingles series being rolled out by the Police Command.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/2023-elections-electoral-offences-nigerians-should-know-to-avoid-being-victim/
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