INEC Publishes Final List of Candidates for Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Guber Polls

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, published the final list of candidates.

The commission also reminded political parties and candidates that in line with the timetable and schedule of activities for the three elections, campaign in public officially commences next Wednesday, June 14, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on 9th November 2023, 24 hours prior to election day.

In a statement by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, it said the decision was in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which required the publication of the list not later than 150 days to election day, that is, Friday 9th June 2023 following the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.

He said the commission approved the final list of candidates for the three off-cycle governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States its regular meeting held yesterday.

Okoye further revealed that the final list has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms, adding that the same would be published in the state and local government offices in the affected states on Thursday June 8, 2023 ahead of the statutory deadline of 9th June 2023.

“The list shows that all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi State, 17 in Imo State and 16 in Bayelsa State. The list also shows that two political parties are fielding female candidates in Bayelsa State, one in Kogi State and none in Imo State.”

The electoral body expressed concern over what it described as  ugly incident last week involving the convoys of two political actors in Kogi State, resulting in the destruction of vehicles and other properties ahead of the commencement of campaign.

The commission, therefore, urged political parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum, saying peaceful electioneering heralds peaceful election.