INEC releases final candidates’ list for Edo Governorship election

By Innocent Raphael

The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially released the final list of candidates for the upcoming Edo State Governorship Election.

This was disclosed by the commission on Monday in a statement signed by its National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.

The Commission revealed that it had made public the personal details of the governorship hopefuls and their running mates across State and Local Government offices in Edo State, upon the conclusion of the initial primaries.

It stated that in accordance with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, certain political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates by the April 15th deadline. Notably, the Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) substituted their Governorship candidates and their running mates.

Additionally, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) only replaced the running mates of their candidates.

With seventeen political parties vying in the election, comprising sixteen male candidates and one female, the final list, inclusive of breakdowns by age, academic qualifications, and disability, has been made available at the Commission’s office in Edo State and online on various platforms for public access.

Commencement of Public Campaigns by Political Parties

Following the release of the final candidate list, political parties are now greenlit to commence public electioneering campaigns. Per Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, such campaigns can start no earlier than 150 days before polling day, ending 24 hours prior.

Consequently, parties may kick off their public campaigns from Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, until midnight on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, as outlined in the election’s Timetable and Schedule of Activities.

As this crucial phase begins, the Commission reiterates the importance of adhering to electoral laws and guidelines, emphasizing the necessity for civil, decorous campaigning, free from incitement, violence, voter manipulation, or any other infractions outlined in Sections 92-97 of the Electoral Act 2022.

The Edo State Governorship Election is slated to take place on Saturday, September 21st, 2024.