INEC Releases Final List Of Candidates For Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Governorship Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published on Tuesday the final list of candidates for governorship elections scheduled to hold on November 11, 2023, in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said in a statement that the commission approved the final list of candidates for the three off-cycle governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi at its regular meeting held on Tuesday.

The commission said the decision was in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the publication of the list not later than 150 days before election day, that is, Friday, June 9, 2023, following the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.

INEC affirmed that the final list has been uploaded to its website and social media platforms.

The commission added that the same would be published in its offices in the affected states on Thursday, June 8, 2023, ahead of the statutory deadline of June 9, 2023.

According to Okoye: “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.”

INEC reminded political parties and candidates that campaigning in public officially commences on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, and ends on November 9, 2023, 24 hours before election day.

The electoral body described as worrisome the ugly incident last week involving the convoys of two political actors in Kogi State, which resulted in the destruction of vehicles and other properties.

Noting that peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election, the commission urged parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum.