INEC Reveals Timetable for Edo and Ondo State Elections

By Iyojo Ameh

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled the timeline and activities for the upcoming Edo and Ondo State Elections. This announcement was made in a press release issued by Mr.

Sam Olumekun, mni, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The release highlighted that these electoral processes align with Section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which stipulates that gubernatorial elections should occur not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the incumbent governor’s tenure.

The key dates for these elections are as follows: the Edo State Governorship election will be held on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, while the Ondo State Governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, November 16th, 2024.

INEC, in the exercise of its constitutional and electoral powers, has released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for these elections:

**Edo State:**
– Party primaries are slated to run from February 1st to February 24th, 2024.
– Nominated candidates’ list submissions via the online portal will open at 9:00 am on March 4th, 2024, and close at 6:00 pm on March 24th, 2024.
– The final list of candidates will be made public on April 23rd, 2024.
– Political parties will launch their public campaigns on April 24th, 2024, concluding 24 hours prior to election day on September 19th, 2024.

**Ondo State:**
– Party primaries are scheduled to take place from April 6th to April 27th, 2024.
– The submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will commence at 9:00 am on April 29th, 2024, and close at 6:00 pm on May 20th, 2024.
– The final list of candidates will be unveiled on June 18th, 2024.
– Public campaigns by political parties will kick off on June 19th, 2024, concluding 24 hours prior to election day on November 14th, 2024.

The comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities for both elections can be accessed on the Commission’s official website and social media platforms.

INEC has urged political parties and candidates to take careful note of these dates and activities, emphasizing strict compliance with constitutional and electoral requirements. These elections hold immense significance in Nigeria’s democratic process and will mark the transition of leadership in Edo and Ondo States.