The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates for the upcoming Edo State Governorship Election. After the initial primaries, INEC had previously announced the personal details of the gubernatorial candidates and their running mates at its offices throughout the state.
According to the provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, certain political parties chose to conduct fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates before the deadline of April 15, 2024.
The Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) notably substituted their Governorship candidates and running mates. In addition, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced only the running mates of their candidates.
A total of seventeen (17) political parties will field candidates in the election, with sixteen (16) males and one (1) female.
The final list, which includes detailed candidate information such as age, academic qualifications, and disability status, can be accessed at INEC’s offices in Edo State, as well as on its website and social media platforms.
In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, it was stated:
“With the publication of the final list of candidates for the Edo State Governorship Election, the next step is the electioneering campaign.
“According to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns by political parties in public shall begin no earlier than 150 days before the polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
“Therefore, political parties are now allowed to commence public campaigns from Wednesday, April 24, 2024, and end at midnight on Thursday, September 19, 2024, as specified in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
“As parties embark on this crucial phase of the election, the Commission reminds candidates, agents, and their supporters of the provisions of the law and the Commission’s guidelines governing such activities. It is important to conduct campaigns with civility and decorum, refraining from inciting language, violence, voter inducement, and other violations mentioned in Sections 92 – 97 of the Electoral Act 2022.”
The Edo State Governorship Election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024.