Victor EzejaThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states’ governorship election for November 11, 2023.
The Commission during its weekly meeting held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, in a statement, said the notice is in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, which mandates the Commission to publish notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the elections.
What INEC said:
“This decision is in fulfillment of the requirement of Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which mandates the Commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the elections. Similarly, Sections 178(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 mandates the Commission to conduct such elections not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of the last holder of the office.
“The tenure of the incumbent Governor of Imo State ends on 14th January 2024 while those of Kogi and Beyelsa States end on 26th January 2024 and 13th February 2024 respectively.
“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to conduct the three elections on Saturday 11th November 2023.
“The statutory Notice for the elections will be published in the three States on 14th November 2022. Party primaries will be held from 27th March to 17th April 2023 while the online portal for the submission of nomination forms (EC9 and EC9B) by political parties opens at 9.00am on 24th April 2023 and closes at 6.00pm on 5th May 2023. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2023 while campaign by political parties commences on 14th June 2023 and ends at midnight on 9th November 2023.”
Prime Business Africa confirms that the full timetable and schedule of activities for the elections have already been uploaded on INEC’s website and social media platforms.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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