The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fulfilled its obligation by publishing the forms and particulars of political parties’ candidates for the upcoming Edo State governorship election slated for September 21, 2024.
According to Timidi Wariowei, the Head of Voters Education and Publicity of INEC in Edo State, the particulars were prominently displayed at the INEC office in Aduwawa, Benin City, as well as in all 18 local government offices across the state. This action aligns with electoral laws and allows parties and the public to review the details of the candidates and their running mates.
Wariowei emphasized that the display of the candidates’ particulars is in compliance with electoral regulations and urged both political parties and the public to visit local government offices to inspect the list.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, issued a letter on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, directing the commission in Edo State to showcase the particulars. The letter highlighted that 17 political parties had submitted their candidates’ nomination forms for the governorship election within the stipulated deadline.
The letter further stated that the personal particulars of the candidates and their running mates would be made public on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022. This information would be displayed through copies of Form EC9, including academic credentials and other relevant documents, at both the state headquarters and the 18 local government offices across Edo State.
The commission urged Nigerians to carefully scrutinize the documents provided. Additionally, aspirants who suspect false information in the submitted documents were encouraged to challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court, as outlined in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.