The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has revealed that 16 political parties have notified the commission of their intention to participate in the forthcoming Edo governorship election scheduled for September 2024.
The commission also revealed that it has also been notified by the political parties of their preferred modes and dates of primaries.
INEC National Commissioner and Information and Voter Education Committee Chairman Sam Olumekun, in a statement issued on Thursday, recalled that the commission released the timetable and schedule of activities for the Edo State off-cycle governorship election.
He said among the activities listed for the election is the conduct of primaries by political parties scheduled for February 1–24, 2024.
Olumekun noted that under Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are required to give the commission at least 21 days’ notice before the date fixed for the conduct of their primaries.
He said the last date for such notification lapsed on February 4, 2024.
Olumekun added: “Sixteen political parties have notified the Commission of their intention to participate in the election as well as their preferred modes and dates of primaries.
“As the Commission is set to deploy its monitoring teams, political parties are hereby reminded that Edo State is the constituency for the election. Therefore, primaries must take place within the state in line with Sections 84(4) and 5(b) of the Electoral Act 2022.”
