- INEC confirms 17 political parties set to contest in Edo governorship election on September 21, with candidates’ details forthcoming
- Mr. Sam Olumekun emphasizes transparency as INEC plans to unveil candidates’ personal particulars for public scrutiny on March 30
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed that 17 political parties are set to contest in the upcoming Edo governorship election slated for September 21.
In a statement issued by Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC disclosed that all 17 parties had successfully submitted their candidates’ nomination forms before the March 24 deadline. The dedicated portal for submissions closed automatically at 6pm on that day.
Olumekun emphasized that the personal details of the candidates and their running mates would be made public by the commission on March 30, in accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“The commission will unveil the personal particulars by exhibiting copies of Form EC9, inclusive of all academic qualifications and other relevant documents submitted by each candidate, at the State headquarters and the 18 local government offices across Edo,” he stated.
Olumekun urged Nigerians to carefully scrutinize these documents upon publication. He further noted that any aspirant who participated in their party primaries and harbored reasonable doubts about the authenticity of the information provided by a candidate could challenge the nomination.
Such challenges, Olumekun clarified, could be pursued in a Federal High Court as stipulated in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
As preparations for the Edo governorship election intensify, INEC remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process, thereby upholding the principles of democracy.