The All Progressive Congress (APC) is also affected by the ban of using public schools in Ebonyi for campaigns without clearance from the State Government, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Uchenna Orji, has clarified.
Governor Dave Umahi had on October 31 placed a ban on all political parties from using school premises for campaign.
The ban, which took effect on November 1, 2022, elicited diverse reactions, with many stakeholders wondering if the APC would be affected by the order.
Addressing journalists on Saturday in Abakaliki, the state capital, Mr Orji explained that the ruling party was not exempted from the provisions of the order.
“We should correct the earlier insinuations that the order banned political parties from ever holding rallies in these facilities,” he said. “All political parties, including the ruling APC, must secure approval from relevant authorities to use the schools and other public facilities.”
He said the order banning political campaigns in schools was aimed at protecting pupils and students.
“Holding political rallies in schools ordinarily puts the security of pupils and students at risk because they are vulnerable,” he explained. “Since parents are not with the pupils and students while in school, anything can happen.
“We have security reports that gunmen may attack schools during campaigns, so the order was a proactive step to forestall such incidents,” he added.
