Rivers LG polls: Advertising body tasks political parties, candidates on campaign materials

As political parties begin campaign for the October 5 Local Government Elections in Rivers State, the Advertising practitioners Association in Rivers State has enjoined political parties and their Candidates to ensure approval and vetting of campaign materials before exposure.

Chairman of the Association in Rivers State, Dr Dike Bekwele, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, said that exposure of campaign materials without vetting violated the Advertising Regulatory Act 23 of 2022.

He stated that approaching the Advertising Regulatory organization to vet campaign content would ensure a hitch-free electioneering process.

The APAPHC chairman added that non- compliance with the Advertising Regulations on vetting approval of campaign materials had overriding effect and a violation of the law.

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According to him, “political parties and candidates vying for elections should endeavour to subject their campaign content and material for vetting before exposure as not doing so amounts to a violation of the Advertising law of the country.”

Dr Dike urged parties and candidates to consult only the services of Advertising practitioners registered, licensed and certified by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria and validated by the Rivers State Signage and Advertisement Agency in carrying outdoor and billboard campaign and enjoin media houses to request vetting approval certificate before airing campaign materials.

He further stated that his association would liaise with the Advertising Regulatory bodies in the state to ensure strict compliance to avoid violations.

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria ARCON Act 23 of 2022 mandates political campaign materials be subjected to vetting before exposure on the billboard or aired through the electronic media organization.

Dr . Dike Bekwele
Chairman , APAPHC
Rivers State