The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday released the line-up of activities and schedule for the Edo and Ondo States elections coming up in 2024.
According to a release signed by INEC’s National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, the Edo State governorship election will take place on Saturday, 21st September 2024 while the Ondo State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, 16th November 2024.
A breakdown of the line-up of activities leading up to the Edo governorship election shows that political parties have from 1st to 24th February 2024 to conduct their primaries, while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will commence at 9.00 am on 4th March 2024 and close at 6.00 pm on 24th March 2024. The final list of candidates will be published on 23rd April 2024, while political parties will commence public campaigns on 24th April 2024 and conclude 24 hours before election day on 19th September 2024.
For the Ondo State governorship election, INEC fixed the date for Saturday, 16th November 2024. As such, party primaries will hold from 6th to 27th April 2024 and the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will begin at 9.00 am on 29th April 2024 and close at 6.00 pm on 20th May 2024. The final list of candidates will be published on 18th June 2024 while public campaigns by political parties will commence on 19th June 2024 and end 24 hours prior to election day on 14th November 2024.
“The latest date for election to the office of Governor, Edo State, is 12th October 2024 while that of Ondo State is 24th January 2025,” INEC said.
INEC explained that the issuance of the timetable and schedule of activities for the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections was in exercise of the powers conferred on it by the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The electoral body cited section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides that election into the governorship office shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the last holder of the office.
It said the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for both elections have been made available on its website and social media platforms.
INEC also appealed to political parties and candidates to take note of the dates and activities and ensure strict compliance, in line with the constitutional and electoral requirements. It said the elections are crucial events in the democratic process of Nigeria and will mark the transition of leadership in Edo and Ondo States.
