Story Summary:
- INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu announced court-ordered changes to the Edo Governorship election candidates list, replacing Labour Party’s running mate and adding the National Rescue Movement (NRM) to the ballot.
- The announcements were made during a stakeholders’ meeting, which included key political figures, security personnel, and election observers, ahead of the 21 September 2024 election.
- Yakubu confirmed that 18 political parties are now participating in the election and reminded candidates that campaigns must end by midnight on 19 September 2024.
Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has confirmed that the Commission has made necessary adjustments to the candidate list following recent court orders.
During a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Yakubu revealed that changes have been made to the Labour Party’s candidate roster. Specifically, the running mate for the Labour Party’s candidate has been replaced. Additionally, the National Rescue Movement (NRM) has been included on the candidates list following a court order.
The meeting, which was a preparatory session for the governorship election scheduled for 21 September 2024, saw the presence of several key figures. These included the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Edo State, various political party chairmen, candidates and their running mates, National Commissioners of INEC, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, and the Commissioner of Police. Traditional and religious leaders, election observers, and media representatives also attended.
Yakubu, along with the Inspector-General of Police, addressed the attendees, outlining the current status of election preparations. He reported that 11 out of the 13 scheduled activities for the governorship election have been completed, with only two remaining tasks.
The INEC Chairman reminded political parties that the official campaign period concludes 24 hours before the election date, specifically at midnight on Thursday, 19 September 2024. The election itself will take place on Saturday, 21 September 2024.
Regarding the final list of candidates, Yakubu noted that the Commission has made two significant amendments. “In compliance with a court order, we have replaced the running mate for the Labour Party’s candidate,” he said. “Additionally, the National Rescue Movement (NRM), which missed the initial nomination deadline, has secured a court order mandating its inclusion on the ballot.”
Yakubu confirmed that 18 political parties will now participate in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election. He added, “The updated list of parties and candidates has been detailed in the information booklet distributed at this meeting.
