A total of 51 candidates fielded by the 18 registered political parties will contest the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, according to a list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
INEC, in the statement released on Tuesday said all the 18 political parties fielded candidates for the election in Kogi, while 17 and 16 parties fielded candidates for the gubernatorial poll in Imo and Bayelsa respectively.
A further breakdown of the list by INEC also revealed that two political parties fielded female candidates for Bayelsa poll, while only one party fielded a female candidate for Kogi poll.
According to Mr Festus Okoye, the INEC National Commissioner and Information and Voter Education Committee, the list was approved by the commission at its regular meeting on Tuesday.
Among those listed for the governorship election in Bayelsa were Gov. Diri Duoye (PDP),Chief Sylva Timipre (APC), Mr Eradiri Udengmobofa (LP), Mr Osuluku Binalatefa (SDP) and Mrs Ogege Mercy (APP).
The candidates for Kogi were Mr Leke Abejide (ADC), Mr Dino Melaye (PDP), Malam Ahmed Ododo (APC) and Mrs Suleiman Fati (ZLP).
Those listed for Imo poll included Gov. Hope Uzodinmma (APC), Mr Ayanwu Samuel (PDP), Mr Odunzeh Ben(NNPP) and Mr Achony Nneji (LP).
Okoye said the publication of the list was in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
According to him, the section mandated INEC to publish the list not later than 150 days to election day i.e. Friday June 9, following the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“The final list has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms.
“Same will be published in our State and Local Government offices in the affected States on Thursday June 8 ahead of the statutory deadline of June 9, “ Okoye said.
Okoye reminded political parties and their candidates that in line with timetable and schedule of activities for the election, campaign in public would officially commence on Wednesday, June 14 in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on Nov. 9 i.e. 24 hours prior to election day.
“We urge parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum as peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election.
“Political parties and candidates have a responsibility to de-escalate tension, ahead of the election,” Okoye said.
Tags: Bayelsa governorship election Imo governorship election INEC Kogi governorship election