The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday, disclosed that 16 political parties have indicated interest to contest the Edo poll on September 21, 2024.
It will be recalled that INEC released the timetable and schedule of activities for the Edo State off-cycle governorship election on September 26, 2023.
Among the activities listed for the election was the conduct of primaries by political parties scheduled for 1- 24 February 2024.
By virtue of Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are required to give the Commission at least 21 days’ notice before the date fixed for the conduct of their primaries. The last date for such notification lapsed on February 4, 2024.
INEC, in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said “Sixteen political parties have notified the Commission of their intention to participate in the election as well as their preferred modes and dates of primaries.”
“Therefore, primaries must take place within the State in line with Sections 84(4) and 5(b) of the Electoral Act 2022,” the statement added.
The commission urged “Parties to avoid unnecessary postponement, arbitrary changes of venues of their primaries, wholesale change of delegates’ list or the submission of names that did not emerge from valid primaries as candidates for the election.
“They should also avoid rancorous primaries that lead to the breakdown of law and order often as a result of non-adherence to the provision of their constitutions and guidelines.
“These are some of the issues that lead to a large number of pre-election litigations.”
