The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled the final list of candidates for the forthcoming Edo State Governorship Election.
Following the conclusion of initial primaries, the Commission had earlier disclosed the personal details of gubernatorial candidates and their running mates at its offices across the state.
In compliance with the provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, certain political parties opted to conduct fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates before the 15th April, 2024 deadline.
Notably, the Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) made substitutions for their Governorship candidates and running mates.
Additionally, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced only the running mates of their candidates.
A total of seventeen (17) political parties will be fielding candidates in the election, with sixteen (16) being male and one (1) female.
The final list, inclusive of detailed candidate information such as age, academic qualifications, and disability status, has been made accessible at INEC’s offices in Edo State, as well as on its website and social media platforms.
Part of the statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, read:
”With the publication of the final list of candidates for the Edo State Governorship Election, the next activity is the electioneering campaign.
”As provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns 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.
”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.”
The Edo State Governorship Election is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 21st September 2024.
