Candidates List: Court Orders Obeyed, says INEC Boss

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to complying with court orders affecting candidate lists in the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for 21 September 2024.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made these remarks during a key stakeholders’ meeting held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo State.

The meeting was convened to review the Commission’s preparations for the election and to address the concerns of various political parties, candidates, and stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

Among the attendees were the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Edo State, political party leaders, candidates and their running mates, INEC National Commissioners, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, as well as members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), traditional and religious leaders, accredited election observers, and representatives of media organisations.

During his address, Yakubu highlighted INEC’s adherence to recent court directives that necessitated changes to the list of candidates.

He revealed that the Commission had replaced the running mate for the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in accordance with a court order.

Additionally, the National Rescue Movement (NRM), which initially failed to submit its nomination on time, was granted a court order mandating INEC to include its candidate on the ballot.

“We have complied with the court orders,” Yakubu stated, underscoring INEC’s dedication to maintaining legal and procedural integrity.

Yakubu elaborated that INEC has completed 11 out of the 13 scheduled activities required for the Edo governorship election.

These activities are part of the electoral timeline that was initiated last year, in line with statutory requirements.

The two remaining tasks are expected to be finalised shortly, ensuring that all preparations are in place for a smooth and credible election.

The INEC Chairman also reminded political parties that the official campaign period is drawing to a close, in accordance with electoral laws that stipulate campaigns must end 24 hours before the election date.

Consequently, all campaign activities must cease by midnight on Thursday, 19 September 2024, in preparation for Election Day on Saturday, 21 September 2024.

Yakubu stressed the importance of adhering to these guidelines to ensure a peaceful and orderly conclusion to the campaign period.

Yakubu addressed the stakeholders about the publication of the final list of candidates, noting the recent adjustments made following judicial interventions.

“By court order, the Commission has replaced the running mate to the candidate of the Labour Party.

Similarly, the National Rescue Movement (NRM), which could not file its nomination on schedule, has obtained a court order to compel the Commission to include the party on the ballot.

We have complied with the court order,” Yakubu reiterated, highlighting the Commission’s compliance with legal directives.

With these changes, the number of political parties participating in the 2024 Edo State governorship election has now increased to 18.

An updated list of the participating parties and their respective candidates was distributed to attendees in an information booklet, ensuring that all stakeholders are fully informed of the current candidate line-up.

The stakeholders’ meeting also featured an address from the Inspector-General of Police, who provided an overview of the security arrangements in place for the election.

The collaboration between INEC and the Nigeria Police Force aims to create a secure environment that will allow voters to exercise their rights without fear of violence or intimidation.

The Inspector-General assured attendees that security personnel would be deployed strategically across Edo State, with a focus on maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral process.

As the meeting progressed, participants engaged in a constructive dialogue about the electoral process, raising questions and concerns that were jointly addressed by the INEC Chairman and the Inspector-General of Police.

Topics ranged from the distribution of election materials and the accreditation of observers to the mechanisms in place to prevent electoral malpractice.

Yakubu concluded the meeting by urging all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, to uphold the principles of democratic conduct.

He called on candidates and their supporters to respect the rules of the electoral process and to accept the outcomes in good faith.

The INEC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election, reflecting the will of the people of Edo State.

The Edo State governorship election is seen as a critical test of INEC’s ability to deliver on its mandate of credible elections, particularly in the wake of recent criticisms over the conduct of the 2023 general elections.

As preparations near completion, all eyes are on INEC to set a positive precedent that will reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.