The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given political parties 20 days to upload the personal particulars and names of their nominated candidates to the commission’s portal.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement on Friday, stated that the portal would open on Monday, March 4, 2024, by 9:00am and automatically shut down at 6.00pm on Sunday, 24th March, 2024.
He added that the Access Code to the portal would be available for collection by the National Chairmen of political parties from on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Olumekun 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.
“The next activity is the submission of nomination forms by political parties via the dedicated online portal.
“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 (Friday).”
Olumekun further said to help political parties ensure seamless nominations, the Commission would once again organise refresher training for two Liaison Officers per party.
He noted that the training commenced on Friday, and ends on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Media Centre of the Commission in Abuja. Olumekun, stressed that the Media Centre would 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,” he added.
The commission said political parties should ensure strict compliance with the timelines.
Meanwhile, following the controversy over conduct of the Edo State governorship primary election, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a reconciliation committee headed by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
The setting up of the reconciliation committee was pursuant to the provisions of the constitution and guidelines of the party.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the committee was charged with the responsibility of reconciling all critical stakeholders and all the party members in Edo State ahead of the September 21, 2024 Governorship Election in the State.
Members of the committee are: Bala Mohammed as Chairman; former governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi; Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Tunde Ogheha, Senator Stella Omu, Dr. Esther Uduehi, and Senator Olalere Oyewunmi as members
Also on the list are Senator Sandy Onor, Isiaka Sola Gold, Emmanuel Enoidem, and Jacob Otorkpa would serve as Administrative Secretary
The NWC urged all critical stakeholders and members of the party in Edo State to remain steadfast and continue to work hard for the success of the governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
The outgoing Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, had threatened that he would challenge the declaration of Ighodalo in court, arguing that the former Chairman of Sterling Bank was not properly elected in line with the guidelines for the primary Governorship election.
He claimed that he won the primary election with 311 delegates in a parallel election conducted in Benin, Edo State.
Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale
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