The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed the date for the release of the final lists of presidential and governorship candidates.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, revealed the dates on Thursday during a meeting organized by the Centre for Democracy and Development in Abuja with the theme, “Conducting Nigeria’s 2023 Elections in Volatile Security Environment,” in Abuja.
Professor Yakubu gave the breakdown of activities leading up to the conduct of the 2023 elections, noting that while the final list of the presidential candidates will be out on September 20, that of governorship hopefuls will be released on October 4.
The INEC boss asked political parties and their candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns.
He further explained that the commission is collaborating with security agencies to ensure a peaceful election.
“Activities towards the 2023 General Election will enter the critical stages this month.
“In the next 19 days i.e. on 20th September 2022, the Commission will publish the final list of candidates for national elections (Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives) as provided in Sec. 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released by the Commission. This will be followed on 4th October 2022 by the publication of the final list of candidates for State elections (Governorship and State Houses of Assembly).
“Campaign in public by political parties will officially commence on 28th September 2022 as provided by Sec. 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
“As campaigns commence, we appeal to all political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns. This is the best way to complement our efforts to ensure transparent elections in which only the votes cast by citizens determine the winner,” INEC boss appealed