INEC announces dates of Ekiti, Osun governorship elections 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

The Ekiti election is scheduled to hold on July 14, 2018, while that of Osun holds on September 22, 2018.

Solomon Soyebi, national commissioner in charge of information, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

He said INEC arrived at the dates in line with provisions of section 178 (1) and (2) of the 1999 constitution as amended, and section 25 (7) and (8) of the electoral act, 2010.

According to the timetable, the electoral body is expected to issue notice for the Ekiti election on April 4, which is not later than 90 days before the election.

Political campaigns would commence on April 15 and end on July 12, while the collection of forms by political parties for issuance to candidates would come a day after.

Political primaries and resolution of disputes arising from such have been slated for April 15 to May 14.

For Osun, political campaigns would start on June 24 and end September 20.

Collection of forms for the election by political parties was fixed for June 25, while primaries and resolution of arising disputes must be conducted between June 24 to July 23rd, 2018.

The commission said any runoff election would be held within seven days after the announcement of result.

Soyebi told intending aspirants and their parties that the release of dates for elections did not amount to notice for campaigns for votes.

“Anybody who deviates from the electoral guidelines by engaging in public campaign ahead of the date for commencement of campaign is committing electoral offence and will be prosecuted,” he said.

“All political parties and their candidates are hereby enjoined to cooperate with us.”