By [Olusegun Ogunkayode—RovroundNews]
As political activities intensify ahead of forthcoming elections, former National Commissioner in charge of Election and Party Monitoring at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Anthonia Taye Okosie-Simbine, has called on political actors to uphold electoral laws and democratic principles in the conduct of their campaigns.
Prof. Okosie-Simbine, who previously served as National Commissioner at Independent National Electoral Commission and currently serves as Director of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, made the call during her address at a stakeholders’ engagement.
Speaking on the theme, “The Democratic Significance of Campaigns,” she stressed that while electioneering campaigns are primarily designed to secure victory at the polls, they must be conducted within the boundaries of established electoral laws and regulatory frameworks to preserve democratic integrity.
According to her, political campaigns remain a critical pillar of democracy, offering political parties and candidates the opportunity to present their manifestoes, articulate policy directions, and engage meaningfully with the electorate.
However, she expressed concern that Nigeria’s electoral environment is often marked by intense rivalry, hostility, regulatory infractions, and, in some cases, violence, developments she described as serious threats to the credibility of the electoral process.
Prof. Okosie-Simbine underscored the importance of strict adherence to the legal and institutional frameworks guiding campaigns, noting that electioneering activities are time-bound and clearly regulated by law. She explained that defined campaign periods, structured schedules, and coordinated mechanisms are designed to ensure orderliness, fairness, and equal opportunities for all contestants.
Addressing political parties directly, she urged them to adopt strategic and responsible campaign approaches. She advised parties to carefully study voter demographics in order to tailor their messages effectively, while also leveraging a blend of traditional and modern media platforms to maximize outreach.
The former INEC Commissioner further cautioned against the use of inflammatory or derogatory language capable of inciting violence or deepening societal divisions. She emphasized the need for issue-based campaigns anchored on constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement.
Warning against prohibited conduct and the use of unauthorized venues, she reiterated that compliance with electoral guidelines is non-negotiable.
In conclusion, Prof. Okosie-Simbine maintained that the true objective of political campaigns should extend beyond winning elections to strengthening democratic culture, enhancing institutional credibility, and fostering national cohesion. Her remarks come at a time when stakeholders continue to advocate for peaceful, credible, and transparent elections across the country.
