The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 17 political parties are set to participate in the forthcoming Edo governorship election, scheduled for September 21.
This announcement comes following the closure of the candidate nomination portal on March 24, with all parties successfully uploading their candidates’ nomination forms before the 6 p.m. deadline.
In a statement released by Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, it was disclosed that the personal particulars of the candidates and their running mates will be made public on March 30. This disclosure aligns with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
According to Olumekun, the commission will display copies of Form EC9, along with all academic credentials and other documents submitted by each candidate, at both the state headquarters and the 18 local government offices across Edo State.He stated the importance of public scrutiny of these documents once published.
Olumekun urged Nigerians to take note that any aspirant who participated in their party primaries and has reasonable grounds to believe that false information was provided by a candidate can challenge the nomination. Such challenges can be pursued in a Federal High Court, as outlined in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
