INEC Warns against Edo Governorship Primaries Extension

INEC
Following the intra-party squabbles in the Edo governorship primaries, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) warned that there would not be any extension of dates for the exercise.

It also warned that 6pm on June 29 remains the deadline for all political parties participating in the Edo state governorship election to submit the names of their candidates.

The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the warning Wednesday during a meeting with security chiefs to adopt the security code of conduct for all security personnel covering the Edo state governorship election.

According to the INEC chairman, “Turning to the Edo Governorship election, all political parties interested in fielding candidates for the election are reminded that they must conclude their primaries for the nomination of candidates in the next ten (10) days.

“The deadline is Saturday 27th June 2020. I must stress that the date is firm and fixed. There will be no extension of the deadline. While the conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates will be the sole responsibility of political parties, our officials will monitor the primaries as required by law.

“Already, the Commission has published the date and mode of primaries for each of the fifteen (15) political parties that indicated their intention to participate in the election.”

Similarly, the INEC chairman said that there would be no extension of time for political parties that fail to submit the names and other details of the candidates that emerge from their primaries using the dedicated portal created by the Commission.

For emphasis, he said, “the deadline is 6:00pm on Monday 29th June 2020”

The commission had in a statement by the National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Information, Mr. Festus Okoye, INEC said 15 out of the 18 registered political parties had notified the commission of their intention to conduct primaries to pick their governorship candidates.

It added that by the timetable and schedule of activities issued by the commission on February 6, 2020, primaries for Edo State governorship election would take place between June 2 and 27.

Under the timeline, African Alliance (AA) would hold its primary between June 25 and 26 and the mode is indirect. AAC would hold its primary on June 25 and the mode is indirect. ADC would hold its own on June 27 and the mode of election is indirect primary.

ADP is expected to hold its primary on June 25, while the mode of the election is indirect.

APC would hold its governorship primary on June 22 and the mode of election is direct election, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) would conduct its primary on June 25, using the indirect system.

The APM would hold its primary on June 27 and the mode of election is indirect, while APP primary would take place on June 26 and the mode is also indirect.

PDP would hold its governorship primary election between June 19 and 20. Labour Party, NNPP, NRM, SDP, YPP and ZLP would conduct their primaries through indirect mode from June 14 to 27.

Comments