The commission also said it was the duty of relevant security agencies to enforce laws whenever political parties breached their code of conduct.
Mr. Kayode Idowu, chief press secretary to INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said this while reacting to enquiries by The PUNCH on efforts being made to get the money few weeks to the 2015 elections and sanctions for violation of code of conduct by parties.
“I don’t know where the indicated figure (N75bn) will be sourced. INEC is in talks with relevant authorities on disbursement of outstanding and is receiving favourable consideration,” he stated.
The Political Parties’ Code of Conduct 2013 reflects the determination of parties and INEC as major stakeholders in the Nigeria democratic project to establish an enduring platform for sustained and constructive political engagement, within and between political parties and then between parties and the commission.
Specifically, Section 10 (4) of the code said, “Any dispute which cannot be resolved between parties shall be reported to Inter-Party Advisory Council, which shall give it a fair and expeditious hearing/s. The IPAC is empowered to recommend to INEC appropriate sanctions on erring political party; this is without prejudice to the right of parties and their candidates, or agents to pursue other legal actions.”
Idowu said, “The Code of Conduct is largely a document for ethical and moral persuasion. If breaches of its provisions cross the line of statutory regulation, relevant security agencies have the statutory duty of law enforcement.
“Under the code, IPAC is empowered to recommend to INEC appropriate sanctions for breaches. But another way of enforcement is for all stakeholders, including the public, to openly call politicians to task if they violate a code they voluntarily signed up to.”
