The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the particulars of 16 candidates nominated for the November 8 Anambra governorship election.
This was disclosed in a statement by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, on Saturday.
According to Olumekun, the publication follows the conclusion of party primaries by 16 political parties and the uploading of their candidates’ nomination forms by May 12.
“As provided in Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 4 on the timetable and schedule of activities for the election, INEC has published the personal particulars of each candidate and their running mate at its state headquarters and the 21 Local Government offices across Anambra,” he stated.
The publication involves displaying copies of the form EC9, along with all accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted by the candidates.
Olumekun appealed to Nigerians to scrutinize the documents, adding that any aspirant who participated in their party’s primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate was false could challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court.
“Any aspirant who participated in his/her party’s primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022,” he said.
Olumekun also disclosed that the final list of candidates would be published on June 9, which is at least 150 days before the day of the election.
This, according to him, is in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on the timetable and schedule of activities for the election.
The publication of the candidates’ particulars is a crucial step in the electoral process, allowing Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the candidates and their credentials.
It also provides an opportunity for aggrieved aspirants to challenge the nomination of candidates they believe have provided false information.
As the election approaches, INEC’s role in ensuring a free, fair, and transparent process is crucial.
The commission’s publication of the candidates’ particulars demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Anambra governorship election is scheduled for November 8, and the next few months would be crucial in determining the outcome of the election.
The candidates would need to campaign vigorously and convince voters of their suitability for the office.
In the coming weeks, Nigerians would be closely watching the developments in Anambra as the candidates make their case to the electorate.
The publication of the final list of candidates on June 9 would mark another important milestone in the electoral process.
