By Harry Awurumibe Editor Abuja Bureau
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday announced the publication of the final list of candidates for the Saturday, September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo state.
In a press statement signed by the Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, on Monday, the INEC said 17 political parties are fielding candidates in the election.
The statement noted that of the 17 candidates, 16 are male while 1 is female, adding that the final list has been published at INEC office in Edo State and also uploaded to its website and social media platforms for public information.
According to the Commission, after initial primaries, it published the personal particulars of the governorship candidates and their running mates in its state and local government offices in Edo State, however, in line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, some political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates by the deadline of 15th April 2024.
“The Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) replaced their Governorship candidates and their running mates. In addition, 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,” the statement said.
It noted that with the publication of the final list of candidates for the election, the next activity is electioneering campaign.
“As provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaign by Political Parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
“Therefore, Political Parties are now permitted to start campaign in public from Wednesday 24th April 2024 and end at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024 as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election. READ ALSO:
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“As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the Commission reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the Commission’s guidelines governing such activity. For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum devoid of inciting language, violence, voter inducement and other infractions mentioned in Sections 92 – 97 of the Electoral Act 2022,” INEC stated.
