INEC unveils timetable for 2024 Ondo, Edo governorship elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has officially disclosed the timetable and schedule of activities for the upcoming governorship elections in Ondo and Edo states, both slated for the year 2024.

This announcement, made through a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, marks a crucial step in the electoral process.

According to INEC, the gubernatorial election in Edo State is set to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, while the election in Ondo State is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024. It is important to note that the tenures of the incumbent governors of Edo and Ondo states will conclude on November 11, 2024, and February 23, 2025, respectively.

The commission’s decision aligns with Section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which stipulates that elections for these offices should occur not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the current officeholder. In adherence to this provision, the latest possible date for the Edo State Governorship Election is October 12, 2024, while for Ondo State, it is January 24, 2025.

Additionally, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 mandates INEC to publish the election notice no later than 360 days before the election date. The commission has thus set the stage for a transparent and well-organized electoral process by releasing these crucial dates well in advance.

The statement also outlines key dates for party primaries and the submission of the list of nominated candidates for both states. In Edo State, party primaries are scheduled to occur from February 1 to February 24, 2024, with candidate nominations to be submitted online between March 4 and March 24, 2024. For Ondo State, party primaries are set to take place from April 6 to April 27, 2024, followed by candidate nominations online from April 29 to May 20, 2024.

The final list of candidates for both states will be published on April 23, 2024, for Edo and June 18, 2024, for Ondo. The official campaign period for political parties in Edo State commences on April 24, 2024, and concludes 24 hours prior to the election on September 19, 2024. Similarly, the campaign period in Ondo State begins on June 19, 2024, and ends a day before the election, which is set for November 14, 2024.

All relevant details and the complete Timetable and Schedule of Activities for these two significant elections have been made accessible on INEC’s website and social media platforms.

The commission, in compliance with constitutional and electoral requirements, urges political parties and candidates to diligently observe and adhere to the stipulated timelines and guidelines outlined in the provided timetable.