JUST IN: INEC Announces Election Dates for Edo, Ondo States

In a recent announcement, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set the dates for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. The Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, made this revelation in a statement released today in Abuja.

According to the announcement, the governorship election in Edo State is scheduled to take place on September 21, 2024, while the election in Ondo State will be held on November 16, 2024.

This decision aligns with the constitutional provisions outlined in Section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). It stipulates that the election for the office of governor must occur not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the incumbent governor’s tenure.

In light of this, the latest date for the Edo State governorship election is October 12, 2024, and for Ondo State, it is January 24, 2025.

Furthermore, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 mandates the Commission to publish a Notice for the Election no later than 360 days before the election date.

Here is the schedule of activities for both elections:

Edo State Governorship Election:

• Party primaries: February 1 – February 24, 2024.
• Submission of nominated candidates’ lists online: March 4 – March 24, 2024.
• Publication of the final list of candidates: April 23, 2024.
• Commencement of public campaigns by political parties: April 24, 2024.
• Election day: September 21, 2024.

Ondo State Governorship Election:

• Party primaries: April 6 – April 27, 2024.
• Submission of nominated candidates’ lists online: April 29 – May 20, 2024.
• Publication of the final list of candidates: June 18, 2024.
• Commencement of public campaigns by political parties: June 19, 2024.
• Election day: November 16, 2024.

The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for both elections have been made available on INEC’s website and social media platforms. INEC urges political parties and candidates to take note of these dates and activities and ensure strict compliance.