In regards to the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states in September and November, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that it would shortly resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in both states to allow eligible voters to vote.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC, announced this yesterday in Abuja during the second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties.
He stated that the Commission has issued the final list of candidates for the Edo State governorship election, following the conclusion of party primaries and the end of the period for candidate withdrawal and substitution as specified in the election’s timetable and schedule of activities.
According to him, public campaigns by political parties began on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, and will stop at midnight on Thursday, September 19, 2024, 24 hours before the election date set by law.
He reminded party leaders of the importance of maintaining peace and order throughout the election process and beyond, saying, “As we inch closer to Election Day in Edo State, it is also imperative to remind political parties of the need to adhere strictly to the timeline for the upload of the list of polling and collation agents to the dedicated portal.
“Doing so will enable the Commission to produce and deliver the identity cards in good time for the expected 76,823 polling unit agents and 3,587 ward, local government, and state collation agents for the 17 political parties participating in the election.”
For Ondo State, the INEC boss stated that 18 political parties had completed their primaries, which INEC observed, and added: “I would like to remind you that parties have one week until the deadline for candidate nominations, which is 6 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024, when the portal automatically goes down.
“I urge you to adhere strictly to the deadline. Political parties have been given 23 days (over three weeks) from the end of primaries to prepare and submit the list of only two candidates (a governorship candidate and a running mate) to the Commission. There will be no extension of time.”
