The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared that the 17 political parties fielding candidates in next September’s governorship elections in Edo can commence campaigns tomorrow (Wednesday).
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, stated this in a statement on Monday.
The Commission noted that its decision to lift the ban on campaigns was in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which allows political parties to proceed on public campaigns not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
INEC urged political parties to “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.”
Olumekun also revealed that the Commission has published the personal particulars of the Governorship candidates and their running mates in State and Local Government offices in Edo State.
The statement reads, in part, “The Commission is pleased to announce the publication of the final list of candidates for the Edo State Governorship Election.
“Following the initial primaries, the Commission published the personal particulars of the Governorship candidates and their running mates in our State and Local Government offices in Edo State.
“In line with 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. 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.
“Overall, seventeen (17) political parties are fielding candidates in the election. Sixteen (16) are male, while one (1) is female.
The final list, which also gives a breakdown of the candidates by age, academic qualifications, and disability, has been published at our office in Edo State and also uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.
‘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 campaigning in public on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, and end at midnight on Thursday, September 19th, 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 provisions 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 take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024.”
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