By Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published the final list of candidates for the three off-cycle Governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States on Saturday 11th November 2023.
The final list has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms and will be published in the State and Local Government offices in the the affected States on Thursday 8th June, 2023 ahead of the statutory deadline of 9th June 2023.
The publication, according to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye, is in line with the provision of Section 32 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires the publication of the list not later than 150 days to election day which falls on Friday 9th June, 2023 following the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.
The final list shows that all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi State out of which only one is female and 3 female running mates.
In Imo State, 17 candidates are males with 2 female running mates and one Person Living with Disability (PWD) whereas in Bayelsa State, 16 candidates out of which 2 are females and 2 running mates.
The Commission expressed worries about last week’s incident involving the convoys of two political actors in Kogi State resulting in the destruction of vehicles and other properties ahead of the commencement of campaign.
The statement reminded political parties and candidates that in line with Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the three elections, campaign in public officially commences on Wednesday 14th June 2023 in line with Section 94 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends 24 hours prior to election day which is on 9th November, 2023.
The statement further urged parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum as peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election, reminding them that political parties and candidates have a responsibility to de-escalate tension ahead of the elections.
