The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Edo State governorship election for September 21, 2024, while the Ondo State election will take place on November 16, 2024.
According to the electoral body, this announcement aligns with Section 178 (2) of the constitution, which specifies that elections for these offices must occur not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the end of the last officeholder’s term.
Additionally, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates INEC to publish the election notice no later than 360 days before the election date.
In a statement released by Sam Olumekun, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, it was noted that the current governors of Edo and Ondo states are expected to conclude their terms on November 11, 2024, and February 23, 2025, respectively.
“The Edo governorship election will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Party primaries are scheduled for February 1-24, 2024, with the submission of nominated candidates’ lists online commencing at 9 am on March 4, 2024, and closing at 6 pm on March 24, 2024. The final list of candidates will be published on April 23, 2024, and political parties can begin their public campaigns on April 24, 2024, concluding 24 hours before the election on September 19, 2024,” INEC stated.
For Ondo State, INEC declared, “The governorship election will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Party primaries are scheduled for April 6-27, 2024, and the submission of nominated candidates’ lists online will commence at 9 am on April 29, 2024, closing at 6 pm on May 20, 2024. The final list of candidates will be published on June 18, 2024, and political parties can begin public campaigns on June 19, 2024, concluding 24 hours before the election on November 14, 2024.”
In response to the announcement, the Edo State All Progressives Congress and the Labour Party expressed enthusiasm and readiness for the election.
Peter Uwadiae, the APC Publicity Secretary, said, “The release of the timetable shows that work has just begun. We are aware that the election will be competitive as we are going up against a sitting governor, who will be determined to secure his successor’s victory.”
Similarly, Sam Uruopa, the LP Public Relations Officer, stated, “We are ready. We have the highest number of aspirants in the state, and we will provide a level playing field for all. The Edo people are behind us, and that will help us win the election.”
In Ondo State, the APC Director of Publicity, Steve Otaloro, welcomed the development, saying, “This is indeed a positive development. As a political party, we can now officially begin our preparations for the upcoming election. In due time, we will share our plans with you, including the intentions of our aspiring aspirants both within the party and to the public.”
Likewise, Kennedy Peretei, the Publicity Secretary of the Ondo PDP, affirmed, “We are prepared and will set the necessary machinery in motion to participate and put an end to the suffering of the people of Ondo State.”