Ahead of the Edo State governorship election slated for September 21, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to unveil the particulars of 17 gubernatorial candidates and their running mates on March 30, 2024.
In a statement released by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, it was disclosed that the personal details of the candidates would be made public through the display of copies of Form EC9.
These documents, which include academic credentials and other pertinent records submitted by each candidate, will be showcased at both the state headquarters and the 18 local government offices across Edo State.
Olumekun emphasised the importance of this disclosure, urging Nigerians to carefully scrutinise the information provided. He highlighted the provision within the Electoral Act 2022 that allows any concerned individual to challenge the nomination of a candidate in a Federal High Court if there are reasonable grounds to suspect false information.
The announcement follows the conclusion of party primaries, with 17 political parties having successfully submitted their candidates’ nomination forms by the March 24, 2024, deadline.
This process was facilitated through a dedicated portal, which closed automatically at 6 pm on the stipulated date.
This development comes amid frustrations expressed by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, regarding the contentious primary elections held within various political parties.
Yakubu lamented the disruptive nature of infighting among party members, which not only impedes INEC’s activities but also leads to the unnecessary expenditure of funds in legal battles arising from disputed primaries.
