By Milcah Tanimu
Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced that the Commission has adhered to court orders affecting the candidate list for the upcoming Edo State governorship election.
Yakubu confirmed that changes have been made to the candidate list, including the replacement of the Labour Party’s running mate and the addition of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) to the list. These adjustments follow recent court rulings.
The announcement was made during a stakeholder meeting held on Wednesday at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, ahead of the election scheduled for September 21, 2024. The meeting was attended by the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Edo State, political party chairmen, candidates, running mates, INEC National Commissioners, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, the Commissioner of Police, members of ICCES, traditional and religious leaders, election observers, and media representatives.
Yakubu and the Inspector-General of Police addressed the meeting, discussing the preparations for the election and engaging with political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders.
The INEC Chairman reported that the Commission has completed 11 out of 13 planned activities for the election, with only two tasks remaining. He reminded political parties that campaigning must cease 24 hours before the election, which is at midnight on September 19, 2024. Election Day will be September 21, 2024.
Yakubu emphasized that, following court orders, the final list of candidates has been updated. The Labour Party’s running mate has been replaced, and the NRM, which missed the initial nomination deadline, has been added to the ballot as directed by the court.
“With these updates, 18 political parties will participate in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election. The updated list of parties and candidates is included in the information booklet distributed at this meeting,” Yakubu said.
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