The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued the official timetable and activity schedule for the forthcoming Governorship Elections in Edo and Ondo States, in accordance with constitutional requirements and electoral regulations.
This information was conveyed through a Press Release signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner & Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
The terms of the Governors of Edo and Ondo States are set to conclude on November 11, 2024, and February 23, 2025, respectively.
These transitions have not been without controversy. Governor Godwin Obaseki has had conflicts with his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, leading to the relocation of his office from the government House. In Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has faced health issues toward the end of his tenure, while his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been embroiled in misconduct allegations, sparking impeachment proceedings.
According to INEC’s released timetable, the Edo State Governorship Election will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with the following key dates:
– Party primaries: February 1st – February 24th, 2024.
– Submission of nominated candidates’ list via the online portal: Opens at 9:00 AM on March 4th, 2024, and closes at 6:00 PM on March 24th, 2024.
– Publication of the final list of candidates: April 23rd, 2024.
– Commencement of public campaign by political parties: April 24th, 2024.
– Campaign concludes 24 hours prior to election day: September 19th, 2024.
Meanwhile, the timetable for the Ondo State Governorship Election, as per INEC, indicates that the Election Date is set for Saturday, November 16, 2024, with the following significant dates:
– Party primaries: April 6th – April 27th, 2024.
– Submission of nominated candidates’ list via the online portal: Opens at 9:00 AM on April 29th, 2024, and closes at 6:00 PM on May 20th, 2024.
– Publication of the final list of candidates: June 18th, 2024.
– Commencement of public campaign by political parties: June 19th, 2024.
– Campaign concludes 24 hours prior to election day: November 14th, 2024.
INEC has urged political parties and candidates to take careful note of these activities and has encouraged strict adherence to the timetable in compliance with both the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION
PRESS RELEASE
TIMETABLE AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE EDO AND ONDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS
The tenure of the Governors of Edo and Ondo States will end on 11th November 2024 and 23rd February 2025 respectively.
As provided in Section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), 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 latest date for Election to the office of Governor, Edo State, is 12th October 2024 while that of Ondo State is 24th January 2025.
Similiarly, 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.
In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, the Commission issues the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Edo and Ondo State Governorship elections as follows:
EDO STATE
The Governorship election will hold on Saturday 21st September 2024.
Party primaries will hold from 1st – 24th February 2024 while 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.
The final list of candidates will be published on 23rd April 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on 24th April 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 19th September 2024.
ONDO STATE
The Governorship election will hold on Saturday 16th November 2024.
Party primaries will hold from 6th – 27th April 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00am on 29th April 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 20th May 2024.
The final list of candidates will be published on 18th June 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on 19th June 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 14th November 2024.
DETAILED TIMETABLE
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.
Sam Olumekun mni
National Commissioner & Chairman,
Information and Voter Education Committee
Tuesday 26th September 2023
Don’t miss out on: INEC Bolsters Staff Security for Off-Season Elections with Enhanced Measures