As the deadline for the submission of candidates for the September 21 Governorship Election in Edo state approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that eight out of the 18 political parties seeking participation in the exercise have not yet filed their nominations on the special portal provided by the commission.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, disclosed this during a quarterly consultative meeting with media organizations held in Abuja. He emphasized the commission’s commitment to adhering strictly to electoral timelines, stating that there would be no extension of time for parties that miss the deadline.
Yakubu highlighted that political parties have 20 days from March 4, 2024, to upload the list and personal particulars of their candidates to INEC’s dedicated web portal. As of Thursday morning, only 10 parties have complied with this requirement, with the remaining eight parties urged to do so before the deadline of 6 pm on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
He further stated that on March 31, 2024, the commission will publish the personal particulars of the candidates as required by law, urging the media and the general public, particularly registered voters in Edo State, to scrutinize the bio-data and credentials of the candidates.
Regarding the Governorship election in Ondo State, Yakubu announced that political parties will commence their primaries in the next two weeks. He noted that 17 out of 19 parties have indicated interest in participating in the election and called on media organizations to engage with political parties and their aspirants, reporting on the primaries with diligence and depth.
Yakubu emphasized the importance of party primaries, stating that they are as crucial as the main election conducted by INEC since only the products of the party primaries are ultimately placed on the ballot paper for citizens to vote for.
He also addressed the issue of fake news and misinformation, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to openness and transparency. Yakubu reassured the media of INEC’s partnership and encouraged them to continue to be a bulwark against fake news and misleading narratives about the commission and its activities.