Political parties that conducted Governorship primaries in Edo State, South-South Nigeria ahead of the September 21 polls have between Monday, March 4 and Sunday, March 24 to upload the Personal Particulars and Names of their Nominated candidates and running mates to the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The electoral umpire in a statement signed by
National Commissioner and Chairman,
Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun says there will be no extention of time for any party as its portal will “automatically shut down at 6.00pm on Sunday 24th March 2024”.
Below is full text of the statement from INEC:
INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION
PRESS RELEASE
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION 2024
As provided by the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the forthcoming off-cycle Edo State Governorship election, the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties expired on 24th February 2024.
The next activity is the submission of nomination forms by political parties via the dedicated online portal. The Commission has earmarked a period of 20 days for Political parties to upload the Personal Particulars (Form EC9) and Names/List of Nominated candidates (Form EC9B) of their candidates to the portal which will open at 9.00am on Monday 4th March 2024 and automatically shut down at 6.00pm on Sunday 24th March 2024. Access Code to the portal will be available for collection by the National Chairmen of political parties from today.
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To help political parties to ensure seamless nominations, the Commission is once again organising a refresher training for two Liason Officers per party. The training commences today Friday 1st March 2024 and ends on Monday 4th March 2024. The Venue is the Media Centre at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
The Media Centre will also serve as the Help Desk during the period of nomination of candidates in case any political party needs assistance.
The Commission wishes to draw the attention of Political parties that 20 days are enough to upload the nomination forms of only two candidates per party (Governorship candidate and running mate). Therefore, there is no reason to request for extention of time and none will be granted beyond Sunday 24th March 2024.
Political parties should ensure strict compilance with the timelines.
Sam Olumekun mni
National Commissioner & Chairman,
Information and Voter Education Committee
Friday 1st March 2024
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)