The Independent National Electoral Commission has unveiled the final list of candidates from 17 political parties set to contest in the upcoming September Edo State governorship election.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner & Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

Olumekun stated, “The commission is pleased to announce the publication of the final list of candidates for the Edo State governorship election.”

Alongside the release of the candidate list, INEC lifted the ban on public political campaigns, marking the commencement of the campaign period from Wednesday, April 24, to midnight on Thursday, September 19, 2024. This decision aligns with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which outlines the campaign timeline.

“As provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns by Political Parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day,” Olumekun reiterated.

The commission emphasized the need for political parties to conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum, cautioning against inciting language, violence, voter inducement, and other infractions outlined in Sections 92 – 97 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“We remind candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the commission’s guidelines governing such activity,” Olumekun emphasized.

Regarding the candidate list, INEC clarified that 16 male candidates and one female candidate have been cleared for the election. Additional candidate statistics, including age, academic qualifications, and disability status, have been made public at INEC offices in Edo State and on its website and social media platforms.

“The final list, which also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age, academic qualifications and disability, has been published at our office in Edo State and also uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information,” Olumekun stated.

The statement from INEC elaborated on adjustments made by certain political parties, such as the Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), which replaced both their governorship candidates and running mates. Additionally, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced only the running mates of their candidates.

“Now that the campaign period has commenced, political parties are urged to adhere strictly to the law and INEC’s guidelines,” Olumekun emphasized.

“As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the commission reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the commission’s guidelines governing such activity,” he added.

The Edo State Governorship Election is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

“As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the commission reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the commission’s guidelines governing such activity,” Olumekun concluded.