The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged that ruling parties often leverage their incumbency to engage in subtle campaigning before the official start of electioneering. According to Victoria Etta-Messi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, government-backed parties frequently utilize rallies, billboards, media interviews, and publicizing their achievements as indirect forms of campaigning.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Etta-Messi noted that these tactics allow parties in power to remain visible and promote their accomplishments, effectively campaigning without explicitly doing so. She emphasized that this practice is not unique to a single party, stating that any state government in power takes advantage of incumbency benefits to their advantage, regardless of party affiliation.
Etta-Messi highlighted that INEC is aware of these indirect campaign methods, which include promoting achievements and engaging in regular media interviews. She explained that while some parties may be more prominent in their efforts, the practice is widespread across various political parties. The use of incumbency benefits can create an uneven playing field, as parties not in power may struggle to gain similar visibility and traction.
The INEC director’s comments come as the electoral commission prepares for upcoming elections, where fairness and transparency will be crucial. The acknowledgment of subtle campaigning tactics by ruling parties underscores the challenges faced by opposition parties and the need for INEC to ensure a level playing field. As the election season approaches, INEC’s efforts to monitor and regulate campaign activities will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally.
