- By Halimah Olamide
As the elections in the two States approach, the Commission has decided to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has issued a deadline for campaign activities in Ondo and Edo State.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this while speaking at the second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties , on Monday in Abuja.
According to him, the Edo State Governorship election will hold on Saturday, September 21, 2024, while the Ondo Governorship election is slated to hold in the next six months on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
“Campaign in public by political parties commenced on Wednesday 24th April 2024 and will end at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024 i.e. 24 hours before the date fixed for the election as provided by law.”
Meanwhile for Ondo State, he urged political parties to have one week until the deadline for the nomination of candidates, which is 6 pm on Monday, May 20, when the portal automatically shuts down.
“I urge you to adhere strictly to the deadline.
Political parties have been given 23 days (over three weeks) from the end of primaries to prepare and submit the list of only two candidates (a government candidate and a running mate) to the Commission. There will be no extension of time.”
“Doing so will enable the Commission to produce and deliver the identity cards in good time for the expected 76,823 Polling Unit agents and 3,587 Ward, Local Government and State collation agents for the 17 political parties participating in the election.”
Speaking on Ondo State, the commission noted that parties have one week to the deadline for the nomination of candidates which is 6.00pm on Monday 20th May 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down.
The Commission also disclosed that it has resumed the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), in the two states, which will take place simultaneously from Monday 27th May 2024 to Wednesday 5th June 2024 from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily including the weekend.
“As the elections in the two States approach, the Commission has decided to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so. Similarly, those who are registered voters also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other States of the federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the two States.”
However, the CVR is only open to new registrants and those who seek to transfer their registration.
“Persons who are registered as voters should not attempt to register again as double or multiple registration is illegal. Lost or damaged voters’ cards will be replaced during the exercise but this does not require fresh registration.”
Yakubu also noted to party leaders about the existence of vacancies in National and State Assemblies, stating that a date for bye-election will be announced.
“As soon as preparations are concluded, the Commission will announce the dates for bye-elections in Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers State, the Bagwai/Shanono State constituency of Kano State, the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State and the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State.”