The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published personal particulars of all candidates for the September 2024 off cycle governorship election in Edo State. 

The publication is in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the commission to publish the particulars of all those seeking to contest elections. 

Members of the public, civil society organisations and the media are expected to scrutinise the particulars before the publication of the final list of candidates. 

Seventeen out of the 18 parties that conducted their primaries meet the deadline to upload the particulars of their candidates on the INEC portal, which automatically shut down by 6.00pm on Sunday, March 24.

In a message on its X handle, the Commission said: “In compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, and as indicated in our press statement dated Wednesday 27th March, 2024, the Commission today, 30th March, 2024, pasted the personal particulars – Form EC9- and other credentials of governorship candidates and their deputies nominated by 17 political parties at the INEC Edo State Office and all the I8 Local Government Offices.”

Among the parties whose list has been published at the INEC state headquarters in Benin and the 18 local government areas of the state include the All progressives Congress (APC); Labour Party (LP); People’s Democratic Party (PDP); Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). 

The list also include Africa Democratic Congress (ADC); New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Young Progressive Party (TPP); Accord Party; Allied Peoples Movement (APM); Action Democratic Party (ADP); Action Peoples Party (APP) and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). 

Following the publication of the list, parties have until April 15 to either withdraw or replace their candidates while submission of final list of candidates remains April 20.

The Commission is expected to publish the final list of candidates for the election on April 23 while campaign is expected to official commence the following day. 

The Edo governorship election holds on Saturday September 21, 2024.

THENATIONONLINE