INEC Sets Deadline for Edo Governorship Election Nomination

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern directive to political parties participating in the September Governorship election in Edo State, urging them to adhere strictly to the timeline for the nomination of candidates without requesting any extensions.

Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, emphasized this directive in a statement released on Friday in Abuja. He highlighted that political parties must file their nominations within the specified timeframe, which runs from Monday, March 4, 2024, to 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

Olumekun underscored that the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties had already expired on February 24, 2024, as outlined in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the upcoming off-cycle Edo State Governorship election. The next crucial step, he explained, is the submission of nomination forms via the dedicated online portal.

He further clarified that INEC has allocated a 20-day window for political parties to upload the Personal Particulars (Form EC9) and Names/List of Nominated candidates (Form EC9B) of their candidates to the portal. The portal will be accessible from 9:00 AM on Monday, March 4, 2024, until it automatically closes at 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 24, 2024. Access codes for the portal will be distributed to National Chairmen of political parties starting from the issuance date.

In an effort to assist political parties in ensuring seamless nominations, INEC is organizing a refresher training for two Liaison Officers per party, commencing from Friday, March 1, 2024, and concluding on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Media Centre located at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja. The Media Centre will also function as a Help Desk during the nomination period to provide assistance to any political party in need.

Olumekun emphasized that the allocated 20 days are sufficient for political parties to upload the nomination forms of only two candidates per party, namely the Governorship candidate and running mate. Therefore, any requests for an extension of the deadline beyond Sunday, March 24, 2024, will not be entertained.