The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced dates for the Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo.
The elections, according the electoral umpire, will hold on Saturday 21st September 2024 and Saturday 24th January 2025 respectively.
According to a press release issued by the Commission, the dates are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.
Parallel Facts understands the Constitution stipulates that election into the office of Governor 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.
The Electoral Act requires the Commission to publish Notice for the Election not later than 360 days before the date of the election.
The Commission also released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Edo and Ondo State Governorship elections.
The Timetable shows that party primaries will hold from 1st – 24th February 2024 for Edo and from 1st – 24th June 2024 for Ondo.
The submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00am on 4th March 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 24th March 2024 for Edo and start at 9.00am on 4th July 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 24th July 2024 for Ondo.
The final list of candidates will be published on 23rd April 2024 for Edo and on 23rd August 2024 for Ondo State. Campaign in public by political parties commences on 24th April 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 19th September 2024 for Edo and commences on 24th August 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 22nd January 2025 for Ondo.
The Commission urged all stakeholders to adhere to the Timetable and Schedule of Activities and cooperate with it to ensure free, fair and credible elections in both States.