The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, which will take place in September and November 2024 respectively.
According to a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, the national commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, the elections are scheduled to hold not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent governors, as stipulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The statement also revealed that the party primaries for the Edo governorship election will be held between February 1 and 24, 2024, while that of Ondo will be held between April 6 and 27, 2024. The submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start on March 4 and May 29, 2024 for Edo and Ondo respectively, and close on March 24 and May 20, 2024.
The final list of candidates for the Edo election will be published on April 23, 2024, while that of Ondo will be published on June 18, 2024. The campaign period for both elections will commence on April 24 and June 19, 2024 respectively, and end 24 hours prior to Election Day.
The statement further stated that a detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the two elections have been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms. It urged the political parties and candidates to adhere to the activities in the timetable for strict compliance.
The statement read in part: “As provided in Section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), election into the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of` the last holder of the office.
“The latest date for Election to the office of Governor, Edo State, is 12th October 2024 while that of Ondo State is 24th January 2025.
“Similarly, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 requires the Commission to publish Notice for the Election not later than 360 days before the date of the election.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, the Commission issues the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Edo and Ondo State Governorship elections as follows:
“EDO STATE: The Governorship election will hold on Saturday 21st September 2024.
“Party primaries will hold from 1st – 24th February 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00 am on 4th March 2024 and close at 6.00 p.m. on 24th March 2024.
“The final list of candidates will be published on 23rd April 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on 24th April 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to Election Day on 19th September 2024.
“ONDO STATE: The Governorship election will hold on Saturday 16th November 2024.
“Party primaries will hold from 6th – 27th April 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00 am on 29th April 2024 and close at 6.00 pm on 20th May 2024.
“The final list of candidates will be published on 18th June 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on 19th June 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to Election Day on 14th November”
Here is a summary of the key dates for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections:
Edo State
- Party primaries: February 1-24, 2024
- Submission of list of nominated candidates: March 4-24, 2024
- Publication of final list of candidates: April 23, 2024
- Campaigning begins: April 24, 2024
- Campaigning ends: September 19, 2024
- Election day: September 21, 2024
Ondo State
- Party primaries: April 6-27, 2024
- Submission of list of nominated candidates: April 29-May 20, 2024
- Publication of final list of candidates: June 18, 2024
- Campaigning begins: June 19, 2024
- Campaigning ends: November 14, 2024
- Election day: November 16, 2024
The Edo and Ondo governorship elections are important because they will give the people of these states the opportunity to choose their next leaders. The elections will also be a test of INEC’s ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.
It is important for all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, voters, and security agencies, to work together to ensure that the elections are successful.
