The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the three off-cycle governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states on Saturday 11th November 2023.
In a press statement signed by Barr. Festus Okoye, national commissioner and chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said the decision 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, that is Friday 9th June 2023, which is to be followed by the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.
Okoye noted that the final list has been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms, adding that the list will also be published in INEC state and local governments’ offices in the affected states on Thursday 8th June 2023 ahead of the statutory deadline of 9th June 2023.
The list shows that all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi State, 17 in Imo State, and 16 in Bayelsa State. The list also shows that two political parties are fielding female candidates in Bayelsa State, one in Kogi State, and none in Imo State.
“The Commission wishes to remind political parties and candidates that in line with the 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 which is 24 hours prior to election day,” Okoye stated.
While regretting the ugly incident last week involving the convoys of two political actors in Kogi State resulting in the destruction of vehicles and other properties ahead of the commencement of the campaign, Okoye urged parties and their candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum as peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election, pointing out that political parties and candidates have a responsibility to de-escalate tension ahead of the elections.
Below are the final lists of candidates as released by INEC.
