The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Tuesday issued an update regarding the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ondo and Edo states. The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, shared this update during a quarterly consultative meeting with political parties held in Abuja.
Furthermore, Prof. Yakubu revealed that dates would soon be announced for new elections in Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State. These elections were disrupted by thugs during the bye-elections.
“We are engaging with stakeholders, including the security agencies. Very soon, a new date will be announced for the re-run elections in the two-state constituencies,” he said.
On the Edo and Ondo Guber elections, he added, “As you are aware, the two elections are holding later this year. Already, party primaries for the Edo State Governorship election have been concluded.
“By the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, political parties have 20 days to upload the list and personal particulars of their candidates to our dedicated portal.
“We have trained party Liaison Officers and established a Help Desk for political parties. The portal opened on 4th March 2024 and will automatically shut down at 6 pm on Saturday 24th March 2024.
“Two weeks later, only six parties have uploaded their nominations to the portal. We urge you to keep to our schedule of activities and avoid last-minute rush that may undermine your ability to successfully nominate your candidates.
“There will be no extension of time beyond the deadline already published in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, to enable us to publish the personal particulars of candidates (Form EC9) on 31st March 2024 as required by law.
“For the Ondo State Governorship election, party primaries begin in the next two weeks on 6th April 2024 and end three weeks later on 27th April 2024.
“So far, 16 out of 19 political parties have indicated interest in participating in the election. I urge political parties to adhere strictly to your proposed dates and modes of primaries.
“Frequent changes as we witnessed recently during the Edo primaries are not only disruptive but costly.”
