The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security and anti-corruption agencies to spotlight the huge spendings at party conventions and campaigns.
TMG Chairman, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, in a statement in Abuja also called on INEC to ensure that parties submit their audited reports as required on time, saying such reports be made available for investigation by relevant authorities.
He also urged authorities to compel political appointees seeking elective offices to resign in accordance to the stipulation of the Electoral Act 2022.
“We are living witnesses to how ministers and other top public office holders use state apparatus such as government jets, public cars as well as funds to run their personal ambitions which wrongfully does not create a level playing ground and is a bad omen for our democracy,” the statement reads.
“A lot of public government officials make a public declaration of their intentions to contest elections and are still holding on to their positions which is against section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.
“To this end, in compliance with the provision, all political appointees, and other public servants serving in government aspiring for political offices should submit their resignation letters and run their campaigns legally as this will not be condoned by Nigerians.”
