The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties participating in the Edo and Ondo states governorship elections against nominating ineligible candidates
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave the warning on Wednesday during the second virtual consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
The INEC boss warns that parties must adhere to constitutional provisions. Citing the experience in the last two governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states and urges them to make compliance with the constitution.
He said, “Adherence to these clear constitutional provisions is compulsory to avoid the unnecessary litigations that follow the nomination of candidates, some of which are still pending before the courts.”
He cited section 177 of the 1999 constitution, saying “A candidate nominated by a political party must be a Nigerian citizen by birth; must have attained the age of 35 years; must be a member of, and sponsored by, a political party, and must be educated up to at least School Certificate level or equivalent.”
Mahmood added that there would be no extension to the deadline for the submission of candidates’ names by the political parties.
He noted “All political parties interested in fielding candidates for the election are reminded that they must conclude their primaries for the nomination of candidates in the next 10 days.
“The deadline is Saturday 27th June 2020. I must stress that the date is firm and fixed. There will be no extension of the deadline.
“While the conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates will be the sole responsibility of political parties, our officials will monitor the primaries as required by law.”
The INEC Boss also reminded the security agencies of their roles during the party primaries, election campaigns, voting, and declaration of results in safeguarding the process and protecting all those involved.
