The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially revealed a detailed roster of candidates set to contest in the upcoming by-elections slated for February 3, 2024. These elections have been triggered by the unfortunate demise or resignation of members from both the National and State Houses of Assembly.
A statement issued on Wednesday by INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, said the electoral process will span across nine states. This includes the participation of candidates from two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies.
Notable regions where these by-elections will take place encompass Ebonyi South, Yobe East, Kebbi State, Lagos State, Ondo State, and Taraba State, among others.
To ensure transparency and accessibility, the timetable, schedule of activities, as well as the personal particulars and final list of candidates, have been disseminated through INEC state offices and the respective constituencies.
INEC has also adhered to the provisions of Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022, by publishing this comprehensive information on their official website and various social media platforms.
Commissioner Olumekun, during the announcement, emphasized the importance for Nigerians to meticulously examine the personal details of the candidates, including scrutinizing Form EC9 and academic credentials.
In a bid to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, he underscored that individuals with substantial grounds to believe that a candidate provided false information during party primaries have the right to challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court, as stipulated in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.
Importantly, the commissioner clarified that this publication is exclusively for the upcoming bye-elections, which involve fresh elections with candidates nominated through party primaries.
Recall that for re-run elections occurring on the same day, the list and personal particulars of candidates were published ahead of the 2023 General Election, as these elections do not permit the inclusion of new or disqualified candidates.
