was too brief to travel across the nation to conduct campaigns. He added that this pushed parties to turn to efforts to de-market their rivals rather than sell their candidates. As was previously mentioned, the Electoral Act's section 94(1) only enables a 150-day campaign period that ends precisely 24 hours before Election Day proper. We fervently contend that the permitted 150 campaign days are insufficient for a comprehensive campaign across the entire surface of a huge and populous country like Nigeria, with all of its unique characteristics and diversity. While not intended as an excuse, it may very well explain some of the 'rush hour' politics exhibited by intra-party attempts to de-market opponents within the time allowed rather than to promote the competency of their candidates. "The United Global Resolve for Peace will be leading a policy advocacy for the review of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act as part of an intended overhaul to better the Nigerian electoral system, while encouraging political parties and candidates in the election to choose the path of honor and integrity."
The group argued that while the 150 days allotted for other contested offices, such as those in the National Assembly, Houses of the States, and possibly governorship positions, was sufficient, it was insufficient for presidential candidates to hold inter-personal meetings, town hall meetings, and rallies, which gave them the chance to interact with the electorate and allow them to be evaluated. The longer campaign season, according to Mr. Olaseni, will offer candidates more time to campaign while also making divisive speech less appealing over time. The Independent National Electoral Commission has set September 28 as the start date for election campaigns.
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