By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has put the political parties that fielded candidates for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election on the run, saying said that non should expect an extension of date if they fail to upload the nomination forms of their candidates
The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, gave the warning in a statement signed and made available to newsmen.
“The Commission wishes to draw the attention of Political parties that 20 days are enough to upload the nomination forms of only two candidates per party (Governorship candidate and running mate).
“Therefore, there is no reason to request for an extension of time and none will be granted beyond Sunday 24th March 2024”, Olumekun said.
Olumekun said that as provided by the timetable and schedule of activities for the forthcoming Edo State Governorship election, the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties expired on February 24, 2024.
He maintained that the next activity was the submission of nomination forms by political parties via the dedicated online portal.
He reiterated that the political parties have from March 4, 2024 to March 24 2024 to file their nominations.
According to him “The Commission has earmarked a period of 20 days for Political parties to upload the Personal Particulars (Form EC9) and Names/List of Nominated candidates (Form EC9B) of their candidates to the portal which will open at 9.00 am on Monday 4th March 2024 and automatically shut down at 6.00 pm on Sunday 24th March 2024.
“Access Code to the portal will be available for collection by the National Chairmen of political parties from today.”
He said to make the entire exercise easy for the political parties, the commission was organising a refresher training for two Liaison Officers per party “to help political parties to ensure seamless nominations.
“The training commences today Friday, March 1, 2024, and ends on Monday, March 4, 2024. The Venue is the Media Centre at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
“The Media Centre will also serve as the Help Desk during the period of nomination of candidates in case any political party needs assistance”, Olumekun said.