The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finalized the list of candidates and their running mates for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for November 16. Here are the key details from the announcement:
1. **Publication of Final List**:
– Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, disclosed that the final list of candidates and their running mates has been published. These details are available at INEC offices across Ondo State, as well as on INEC’s website and social media platforms.
2. **Changes in Candidate Lineup**:
– Two political parties, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), conducted fresh primaries to replace their initially nominated candidates and running mates by the June 10 deadline.
– Five other parties (AAC, ADP, PDP, PRP, ZLP) replaced only their running mates within the stipulated timeframe.
3. **Candidate Demographics**:
– A total of 17 political parties are participating in the election.
– There is no female candidate nominated by any party for the governorship, while one candidate nominated by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a person with a disability (a paraplegic).
4. **Breakdown by Age and Academic Qualifications**:
– The final list includes a breakdown of candidates based on their age and academic qualifications, reflecting INEC’s commitment to transparency in the electoral process.
5. **Commencement of Campaigns**:
– Political parties are authorized to commence public campaigns from June 19 until midnight on November 14.
– INEC emphasized the importance of conducting campaigns with civility and decorum, adhering strictly to the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines. Campaigns should avoid inciting language, violence, voter inducement, and other electoral offenses.
6. **Public Information and Guidelines**:
– INEC urged candidates, party agents, and supporters to familiarize themselves with the electoral laws and guidelines to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process in Ondo State.
This announcement sets the stage for intense campaigning as political parties and candidates gear up for the governorship election, while emphasizing the need for adherence to electoral laws to maintain integrity and fairness.