The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has released the final list of candidates nominated for the three off-cycle Governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States on Saturday 11th November 2023.
This was contained in a statement signed by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye, on Monday.
Okoye said the final list was approved by the Commission during its regular meeting held today Tuesday 6th June 2023 and showed that all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi State, 17 in Imo State and 16 in Bayelsa State.
He added that the list also indicated that two political parties will be fielding female candidates in Bayelsa State, one in Kogi State and none in Imo State.
The decision to approve the list, according to Okoye “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 Commission consequently disclosed that the final list has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms, even as the same list would be published in INEC State and Local Government offices in the the affected States on Thursday 8th June 2023.
The Commission reminded political parties and candidates “that in line with 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”.
INEC however expressed worry over the ugly incident that took place last week involving the convoys of two political actors in Kogi State, which led to the destruction of vehicles and other properties ahead of the commencement of campaign.
The Commission urged parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum, stressing that peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election.
