Every effective political leader must have persuasive communication skills. When addressing constituents or the general public, it is important for the politician to convey clarity, credibility, connection, and a compelling call-to-action in their message. The following section summarizes these key components and how to practically demonstrate them when speaking.
This section reviews the basic eligibility criteria for public office holders, as well as key regulations concerning campaigning, campaign financing, and Election Day.
Party Primaries: Candidates must be officially nominated by registered political parties, following INEC-approved primary procedures. Valid primaries are essential for candidacy.
Candidate Nomination Deadline: Candidates must submit INEC-mandated nomination forms within specified deadlines; late or incomplete submissions will be rejected. INEC sets specific timelines; late submissions are not accepted.
Campaign Timeline: Campaigns start 150 days before election day and end 24 hours before voting.
Campaign Financing:
The Electoral Act 2022, enforced by INEC, sets clear spending limits per position:
Governor: ₦1 billion maximum.
Senator: ₦40 million.
House of Reps: ₦30 million.
State Assembly: ₦10 million.
Single donations exceeding ₦50million to a candidate are not permitted.
Campaign funding must be transparent and auditable by INEC.
Prohibited Practices: Vote buying, intimidation, hate speech, campaigning at polling units, campaigning outside the legal window.
Resignation from Public Service: Mandatory at least 30 days before election day for civil/public servants, military, and paramilitary personnel.