The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the official list of candidates for the upcoming Edo State governorship election. In a statement released on Monday by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner & Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, it was revealed that a total of 17 political parties will be contesting in the election.
The statement highlighted that in accordance with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, some parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their initially nominated candidates before the April 15, 2024 deadline. Among these parties, 16 candidates are male, while one is female. Notably, the Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) replaced both their governorship candidates and running mates.
Furthermore, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced only the running mates of their candidates. The final list of candidates, including their demographic details such as age, academic qualifications, and disability status, has been published at INEC offices in Edo State, as well as on the commission’s website and social media platforms for public awareness.
In light of the announcement, INEC reminded candidates, their agents, and supporters to adhere to the provisions of the law and the commission’s guidelines governing election activities. As the election date approaches, anticipation builds as Edo State prepares for a crucial electoral contest.
A Monday statement from INEC’s National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, indicated that overall, 17 political parties are fielding candidates for the election.
“In line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, some political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates by the deadline of 15th April 2024. The Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) replaced their Governorship candidates and their running mates. In addition, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced the running mates of their candidates only.
“Overall, seventeen (17) political parties are fielding candidates in the election. Sixteen (16) are male while one (1) is female. The final list, which also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age, academic qualifications and disability, has been published at our office in Edo State and also uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information,” the statement read in part.
