The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the comprehensive list and personal details of candidates set to compete in the upcoming bye-elections scheduled for February 3, 2024.
This disclosure was made through a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
The bye-elections, spanning nine states of the federation, will cover two senatorial districts, four federal constituencies, and three state constituencies. Notable contests include Ebonyi South and Yobe East senatorial districts, as well as federal constituencies in Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, and Taraba states, among others.
According to Olumekun, the publication of the final list and personal particulars adheres to the provisions of Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022. The released information is available at the commission’s state offices, and for wider accessibility, it is also published on their official website and social media platforms.
While urging Nigerians to scrutinize the details provided by the candidates, Olumekun emphasized the importance of accuracy in the submitted information. Candidates who participated in their party primaries and suspect false information can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court, as outlined in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.
He also stated that the publication exclusively pertains to the upcoming bye-elections, which involve fresh elections requiring new nominations from political parties. “For clarity, this publication only applies to the forthcoming bye-elections as they are fresh elections for which political parties conducted primaries and nominated their candidates.”
Olumekun clarified that the list and personal particulars for rerun elections on February 3, 2024, had already been published prior to the 2023 General Election, emphasizing their distinction from fresh elections.
