General News
INEC Unveils Final List of Edo Governorship Candidates
By Iyojo Ameh
In preparation for the upcoming Edo State Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the definitive list of candidates, setting the stage for a competitive electoral race.
Following the stipulations of the Electoral Act 2022, certain political parties opted to hold fresh primaries to replace their initial candidates before the April 15 deadline.
Additionally, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) made replacements for their running mates only.
A total of seventeen political parties will participate in the election, comprising sixteen male candidates and one female contender.
The final list, containing comprehensive candidate details such as age, educational background, and disability status, is now accessible at INEC offices throughout Edo State, as well as on the commission’s official website and social media platforms.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, emphasized the commencement of the campaign period, permitted under Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. Public campaigns are authorized to begin on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, and conclude at midnight on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Olumekun underscored INEC’s expectation for parties to conduct their campaigns with dignity and adherence to electoral regulations, cautioning against behaviors such as incitement, violence, and voter manipulation.
With the campaign period now underway, anticipation mounts for the Edo State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024, promising an engaging electoral process for citizens and candidates alike.
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, September 21, 2024, with anticipation building as the campaign period kicks off.
