Edo guber: INEC warns parties, rules out extension for candidates’ nomination

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned registered political parties participating in the September Governorship election in Edo State to work within the timeline for the nomination of candidates, saying it would not grant any extension.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun, said this on Friday in a statement in Abuja.

He said as provided by the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the forthcoming off-cycle Edo State Governorship election, the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties expired on 24th February 2024.

According to him, the next activity is the submission of nomination forms by political parties via the dedicated online portal.

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He said the parties have from Monday, 4th March 2024 to 6pm of Sunday 24th March 2024 to file their nominations.

“The commission has earmarked a period of 20 days for Political parties to upload the Personal Particulars (Form EC9) and Names/List of Nominated candidates (Form EC9B) of their candidates to the portal which will open at 9.00am on Monday 4th March 2024 and automatically shut down at 6.00pm on Sunday 24th March 2024. Access Code to the portal will be available for collection by the National Chairmen of political parties from today.

“To help political parties to ensure seamless nominations, the Commission is once again organising a refresher training for two Liaison Officers per party. The training commences today Friday 1st March 2024 and ends on Monday 4th March 2024. The Venue is the Media Centre at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

“The Media Centre will also serve as the Help Desk during the period of nomination of candidates in case any political party needs assistance. The Commission wishes to draw the attention of Political parties that 20 days are enough to upload the nomination forms of only two candidates per party (Governorship candidate and running mate). Therefore, there is no reason to request for extension of time and none will be granted beyond Sunday 24th March 2024,” Olumekun said.