2023: 837 Candidates, Running Mates Jostle For Governorship Seats In 28 States

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for governorship and House of Assembly elections in states across Nigeria next year.

The list released by the commission on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, showed that 837 candidates and their running mates were fielded by 18 political parties for the governorship election to be held in 28 states in 2023.

The list further revealed that 10, 231 candidates are vying for 993 State Assembly seats across the federation.

According to a statement signed by the INEC National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, the publication was “pursuant to section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and item 8 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election.”

The commission had similarly published that of presidential and national assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) a few weeks ago in preparation for the next year election.

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Okoye explained that the publication of the full names of candidates followed the successful completion of party primaries where the candidates emerged.

The statement reads in part “The list published today contains the names of candidates validly nominated for State Elections at the close of party primaries and the period earmarked for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.

“In summary, the 18 political parties have fielded 837 candidates and their running mates for the 28 Governorship elections that fall due in 2023. For State Assembly elections, 10, 231 candidates are vying for 993 State Assembly seats.

“The list for specific constituencies is published in each State where they are located while the comprehensive nationwide 894-page list has been uploaded to the Commission’s website.

“Political parties are required to channel any observations on the list of candidates to the Commission and such must be signed by the National Chairman and Secretary of the political party.”