The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled the final list of candidates for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21.
Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, made this announcement in a statement issued yesterday.
Olumekun clarified that political parties are now authorized to commence public campaigning from Wednesday, April 24, until midnight on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in accordance with items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
He elaborated that after the initial primaries, the Commission published the personal details of the governorship candidates and their running mates in its state and local government offices in Edo State.
“Following the provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, some political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates by the deadline of April 15, 2024. The Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) replaced their Governorship candidates and their running mates. Additionally, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced the running mates of their candidates only,” Olumekun stated.
He further revealed that a total of 17 political parties are fielding candidates in the election, with 16 being male and one female. The final list, containing the breakdown of candidates by age, academic qualifications, and disability, has been published at the Commission’s office in Edo State and uploaded to its website and social media platforms for public access.
Olumekun emphasized that the next phase of the electoral process is the campaign period. According to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are permitted to commence public campaigning not earlier than 150 days before polling day, ending 24 hours before that day.
He reminded candidates, agents, and supporters to conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum, adhering to the law and the Commission’s guidelines to prevent infractions outlined in Sections 92 – 97 of the Electoral Act 2022.