INEC fixes dates for Edo, Ondo off-cycle guber polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced dates for the conduct of governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

The tenure of the governors of Edo and Ondo will end on November 11, 2024, and February 23, 2025, respectively.

In a statement on Monday signed by Sam Olumekun, national commissioner and chairman, information and voter education committee, INEC said the Edo guber poll will be held on September 21, 2024, while that of Ondo will take place on November 16, 2024.

The commission said the dates were fixed in accordance with the provision of section 178 (2) of the constitution which says “election into the said offices 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 commission said party primaries in Edo state will hold between February 1 and 24, 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9 a.m. on March 4, and close at 6 p.m. on March 24.

“The latest date for Election to the office of Governor, Edo State, is 12th October 2024 while that of Ondo State is 24th January 2025,” the statement reads.

“Similarly, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 requires the Commission to publish Notice for the Election not later than 360 days before the date of the election.

“The final list of candidates will be published on 23rd April 2024 while the campaign in public by political parties commences on 24th April 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 19th September 2024.”

INEC added that primaries in Ondo will be conducted from April 6 to 27, while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9 a.m. on April 29, and close at 6 p.m. on May 20.

“The final list of candidates will be published on 18th June 2024 while the campaign in public by political parties commences on 19th June 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 14th November 2024,” the statement further reads.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the two elections have been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

“By this ample notice as required by both the Constitution and the Electoral Act, the Commission appeals to political parties and candidates to note the activities in the Timetable for strict compliance.”