The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the dates for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. According to INEC, the Edo governorship election is scheduled to take place on September 21, 2024, while the Ondo state governorship election will be held on November 16, 2024.
INEC explained that this announcement aligns with the provisions of Section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). This section mandates that elections for these offices should be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current officeholder’s tenure.
Additionally, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, requires INEC to publish a notice for the election no later than 360 days before the election date.
Details regarding the elections will be made available on the INEC website and its various social media platforms.
In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, it was noted that the current governors of Edo and Ondo states are expected to complete their tenures on November 11, 2024, and February 23, 2025, respectively.
The statement also provided a timeline for the elections:
- Edo Governorship Election:
- Party primaries: February 1-24, 2024
- Submission of the list of nominated candidates: March 4-24, 2024
- Publication of the final list of candidates: April 23, 2024
- Campaign by political parties: April 24 – September 19, 2024
- Election day: September 21, 2024
- Ondo Governorship Election:
- Party primaries: April 6-27, 2024
- Submission of the list of nominated candidates: April 29 – May 20, 2024
- Publication of the final list of candidates: June 18, 2024
- Campaign by political parties: June 19 – November 14, 2024
- Election day: November 16, 2024
These timelines and dates will guide the electoral process in both states, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership in accordance with the Nigerian constitution and electoral laws.