The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expressed concerns over various infractions observed in the lead-up to the Edo and Ondo governorship elections scheduled for September 21, 2024, and November 16, 2024, respectively.
These concerns were raised during the first regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties held in Abuja.
In the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election, Senator Monday Okpebholo emerged as the winner, while Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, secured the governorship primary of the Edo State Labour Party.
Asue Ighodalo was chosen as the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for the upcoming Edo poll.
Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, emphasized the need for political parties to adhere strictly to the proposed dates and modes of primaries to avoid disruptions and unnecessary litigation.
Yakubu noted that only six parties contesting the Edo governorship poll had uploaded their nominations to the portal, while 16 out of 19 parties indicated an interest in running for the Ondo governorship poll. He warned that no extension of the deadline would be granted.
Yusuf Dantalle, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), pledged proactive engagement to ensure the success of the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.
Dantalle emphasized the importance of adhering to internal party democracy to reduce pre-election litigation.
IPAC vowed to engage INEC and major stakeholders for mobilization of voters, sensitization, and monitoring of polls, aiming to meet the expectations of Nigerians and the international community.
