By Vincess Okushi
The final list of candidates and personal particulars have been published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its respective State offices and the affected constituencies by the provision of Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
This also complements the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the February 3rd, 2024 re-run and by-elections in the affected states and constituencies.
A statement signed by Sam Olumekun National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Wednesday 17th January 2024, revealed that the candidates’ list is also published on the INEC website and social media platforms.
Sam therefore appealed to Nigerians to scrutinize the personal particulars (Form EC9 and academic credentials) of the candidates and challenge any candidate with false information to the nomination in the Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.
For clarity, this publication only applies to the forthcoming bye-elections as they are fresh elections for which political parties conducted primaries and nominated their candidates. For the re-run elections to be held on the same day, the list and personal particulars of candidates have been published before the 2023 General Election. The re-run elections are conducted under the orders of the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals. They are not fresh elections open to new/disqualified candidates which obviates the need to publish their particulars again.
These elections will be held on Saturday 3rd February 2024 across nine States of the Federation covering two Senatorial Districts (Ebonyi South and Yobe East); four Federal Constituencies (Shanga/Ngaski/Yauri Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Surulere I Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Akoko North East/Akoko Northwest Federal Constituency of Ondo State and Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency of Taraba State); and three State Constituencies (Guma I State Constituency of Benue State, Chibok State Constituency of Borno State and Chikun State Constituency of Kaduna State).