By Adeleye Kunle
On July 19, 2022, Akwa Ibom REC Mike Iginni speaks during an interview.
According to Mike Iginni, an official with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), politicians who choose two nomination forms face two years in prison.
Iginni, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, stated this.
He stated that politicians obtaining multiple nomination forms is a violation of the Electoral Act 2022.
According to Section 115 (D) of the Act, anyone who signs a nomination paper or result form as a candidate in more than one constituency at the same election commits an offense and faces up to two years in prison if convicted.
Clarifying the law’s provisions, the Akwa Ibom REC stated that “constituency” as defined in the legal document refers to separate elections, whether presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, or state assembly.
“Section 115 (D) of the 2022 electoral act states that no one shall sign or obtain more than one form as a candidate for different elections,” Iginni emphasized.
“And for that, in addition to the financial penalty, he will serve two years in prison under subsection K.” Some claim to have participated in one election and filled out two forms; this is ignorance of the law, and it is not an excuse.”
According to an INEC official, the electoral umpire is only trying to keep politicians in this category from becoming “candidates for prison, and they are calling our names everywhere.”
“There have been many candidates who have done this.” “All INEC can do is point you in the right direction,” he added.
“People are walking their way to prison when they claim to have purchased two forms; Section 115 (D) prohibits this.” In fact, subsection 3 of 115 states that even the attempt will be considered an offense.”
