INEC approves final list of candidates for Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo guber polls

INEC approves final list of candidates for Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo guber polls

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has
approved the final list of candidates for the off-cycle governorship elections
in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states on November 11.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, Festus Okoye, INEC national
commissioner for information, said the approval was in line with the provision
of the electoral act which requires the publication of the list not later than
150 days to election day.

 

Okoye said the final list which has been uploaded to the
commission’s website shows 18 political parties are fielding candidates in
Kogi, 17 in Imo and 16 in Bayelsa.

 

He added that the public campaign would officially start on
June 14 and end on November 9.

 

 “At its regular
meeting held today, Tuesday 6th June 2023, the commission approved the final
list of candidates for the three off-cycle governorship elections scheduled to
hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states on Saturday 11th November 2023,” the
statement reads.

 

“The decision is in line with the provision of section 32(1)
of the electoral act 2022 which requires the publication of the list not later
than 150 days to election day i.e. Friday 9th June 2023 following the period
for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties
under section 31 of the electoral act 2022.

 

“The final list has been uploaded to the commission’s
website and social media platforms. Same will be published in our state and
local government offices in the affected States on Thursday 8th June 2023 ahead
of the statutory deadline of 9th June 2023.

 

 “The list shows that
all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi state, 17 in Imo State
and 16 in Bayelsa State. The list also shows that two political parties are
fielding female candidates in Bayelsa state, one in Kogi state and none in Imo
state.

 

“The commission wishes to remind political parties and
candidates that in line with the timetable and Schedule of Activities for the
three elections, campaign in public officially commences on Wednesday 14th June
2023 in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on 9th
November 2023 i.e. 24 hours prior to election day.”

 

He encouraged political parties to desist from conflict and conduct
their activities in a civil and peaceful manner.

 

“Regrettably, the ugly incident last week involving the
convoys of two political actors in Kogi State resulting in the destruction of
vehicles and other properties ahead of the commencement of campaign is
worrisome.

 

 “We urge parties and
candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum as
peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election. Political parties and
candidates have a responsibility to de-escalate tension ahead of the
elections,” he added.

Source: INEC approves final list of candidates for Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo guber polls

 - NigerianEye
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