The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked politicians to stop using religious centres for political campaigns.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said this, yesterday, while announcing candidates’ list for Lere Federal Constituency by-election in Kaduna State, slated for August 14, 2021.

The Lere Federal Constituency became vacant, following the death of the lawmaker representing the constituency, Mr. Suleiman Lere on April 6.

Okoye warned that places designated for police stations and public offices should also not be used for political rallies and processions.

According to him, parties must conduct their campaigns with civility and the best tradition of democratic ethos. “Political campaigns or slogans shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.

“Political parties are reminded that places designated for religious worship, police stations, and public offices shall not be used for political campaigns, rallies and processions,” he stated.

Okoye urged parties to ensure strict compliance to the COVID-19 protocols in the conduct of political events.

According to him, parties must be guided by INEC policy on the conduct of political events and the code of conduct for voters and political parties within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the electioneering campaigns and all other activities involving a large gathering of people, political parties and candidates are required to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 protocol contained in the statement released by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 on Friday July 30, 2021.