As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed June 18, 2022, for the conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed January 22, 2022, for the party primary.
According to the INEC timetable and schedule of activities for Ekiti State governorship election” dated 10 June 2021 and signed by INEC Secretary, Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the conduct of the party primaries is between January 4 to January 29, 2022.
The APC timetable outlined the schedule of activities in the build-up to the Party primary election, starting from the publishing of the Notice of Party Election to the State chapter on November 15, 2021.
The date for the aspirants to obtain the nomination starts from Tuesday, November 16 to January 11, 2021.
“The tenure of the Governor of Ekiti State will expire on the 15th October 2022.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 178 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 25 (7) and (8) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), the earliest date for the election into the office of the Governor, Ekiti State, shall be the 18 May 2022 and the latest date for the Election shall be 17 September 2022.”
“By virtue of the provisions of Section 178 (2) of the Constitution and Section 25 (8) of the Electoral Act, Election into the office of a State Governor shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.
“The Commission is by virtue of Section 30 (1) of the Electoral Act, expected to issue Notice of the election not later than 90 days before the date of the Election.
“This is in the exercise of the powers conferred on INEC by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1959 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf,” the notice read in parts.
Meanwhile, the party nomination forms will cost each aspirant the sum of N20 million, while N2.5 million will be paid for the expression of interest form, the National Secretary of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee CECPC, Sen. John James Akpanudodehe reported.
The female aspirants and Physically challenged aspirants will pay 50% of the prescribed fees for each position.
According to the party’s Secretary, the sale of the nomination forms will commence Tuesday, November 16, 2021, with the sales of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms while Tuesday, January 11, 2022, is the last date for the submission of forms.
Also, the APC will screen all the aspirants to ensure their eligibility on January 13, 2022.
The certificates of eligibility will be given to those who qualify to contest the governorship primary election on January 17, 2022.
The appeal committee for those disqualified by the screening committee will take place on January 19, 2022.
The governorship primary election will take place on January 22, 2022.
About seventeen (17) aspirants would be jostling for the party’s governorship ticket if they obtained the nomination form.
They are the two serving of House of Representatives; Hon Yemi Adaramodu and Rt (Hon) Femi Bamisile, the Austrialia based medical expert, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, Ex-House of Representatives member, Bamidele Faparusi, current state Secretary of government (SSG), Biodun Oyebanji.
Other includes former deputy governor of the state, Abiodun Aluko, former Minister of Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, a current member of Federal Character Commission (FCC), Sesan Fatoba, Chief of Staff to Fayemi, Biodun Omoleye.
Others are Ishola Fapounda, Reuben Famuyibo, Poopola Demola, Makinde Araoye, Mobolaji Aluko, Kayode Ojo, Olusegun Agbalajobi and Debo Ranti Ajayi.
