Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced the publication of the final list of candidates for the September 21 Edo State governorship election.
INEC national commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun disclosed this in a statement, yesterday.
Olumekun said political parties can now start campaigning in public from Wednesday, April 24 and end at midnight on Thursday, September 19, 2024 as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
He explained that following the initial primaries, the Commission published the personal particulars of the governorship candidates and their running mates in its state and local government offices in Edo State.
"In line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, some political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates by the deadline of 15th April 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", Olumekun said.
According to him, overall, 17 political parties are fielding candidates in the election with 16 being male while one is female.
He stated that the final list, which also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age, academic qualifications and disability, has been published at the Commission's office in Edo State and also uploaded to its website and social media platforms for public information.
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"With the publication of the final list of candidates for the Edo State Governorship Election, the next activity is 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 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", he added.
