The Edo governorship is expected to hold on September 21, 2024.
The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, made this known in a statement.
Olumekun noted that as provided by the timetable and schedule of activities for the forthcoming off-cycle Edo State Governorship election, the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties expired on February 24, 2024.
The representative of Edo Central Senatorial District, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner of the Edo State All Progressives Congress governorship fresh primary election.
Also, the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, won the governorship primary of the Edo State Labour Party as the candidate for the party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Asue Ighodalo emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the upcoming Edo poll.
The National Commissioner noted that the next activity was the submission of nomination forms by political parties via the dedicated online portal.
He added that political parties have from March 4 2024 to March 24 2024 to file their nominations.
Olumekun stated, “The Commission has earmarked a period of 20 days for Political parties to upload the Personal Particulars (Form EC9) and Names/List of Nominated candidates (Form EC9B) of their candidates to the portal which will open at 9.00 am on Monday 4th March 2024 and automatically shut down at 6.00 pm on Sunday 24th March 2024. Access Code to the portal will be available for collection by the National Chairmen of political parties from today.”
He said the commission was organising a refresher training for two Liaison Officers per party “to help political parties to ensure seamless nominations.
“The training commences today Friday, March 1, 2024, and ends on Monday, March 4, 2024. The Venue is the Media Centre at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
“The Media Centre will also serve as the Help Desk during the period of nomination of candidates in case any political party needs assistance.”
Olumekun warned that the commission would not grant any extension to political parties to upload the nomination forms of only two candidates per party.
“The Commission wishes to draw the attention of Political parties that 20 days are enough to upload the nomination forms of only two candidates per party (Governorship candidate and running mate).
“Therefore, there is no reason to request for an extension of time and none will be granted beyond Sunday 24th March 2024.
“Political parties should ensure strict compliance with the timelines,” the statement read.
