The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday released the final list of candidates eligible to participate in the July 16 governorship election in Osun State.
The list published on the commission’s website showed incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State
was cleared as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with Benedict Olugboyega Alabi as his running mate
The APC candidate will slug it out with Adeleke Ademola Jackson Nurudeen of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who has Adewusi Kola Adeboyega as his deputy.
While women and persons with disability did not field a any candidates for elections, there are total of 15 male candidates nominated by 15 political parties to participate in the governorship poll.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, in a statement, said the development was sequel to the publication of the personal particulars of the candidates last month.
He added that it was also in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 following the close of nominations by political parties.
“On Friday 25th March 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the personal particulars and list of candidates (Form EC9) for the Osun State Governorship election in our State and Local Government offices as required by law.
“In compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates for the election following the close of nominations by political parties.
“The Commission wishes to remind political parties that under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, any party that observes that the name of its candidate is missing from the list “shall notify the Commission in writing, signed by its National Chairman and Secretary, supported with an affidavit not later than 90 days to the election”.
“Furthermore, the attention of parties is drawn to Section 32(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that failure to notify the Commission “shall not be ground to invalidate the election”.
“The final list is published in our State and Local Government offices in Osun State as well as our website and social media platforms for public information as required by law.
“Political parties are enjoined to note the provision of the law for compliance.”
