Ahead of the Edo governorship election holding September 21 this year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties against unnecessary postponement, arbitrary change of venues of their primaries, wholesale change of delegates’ list or the submission of names that did not emerge from valid primaries as candidates for the election.
The commission also warned the parties to shun rancorous primaries that would lead to the breakdown of law and order often as a result of non-adherence to the provision of their constitutions and guidelines.
In a statement Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the electoral body said these were some of the issues that often lead to a large number of pre-election litigations.
The statement said 16 out of 18 parties already notified the Commission of their intention to participate in the Edo state governorship election as well as their preferred modes and dates of primaries, adding that the last date for such notification lapsed on 4th February 2024.
The statement read: “It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Edo State off-cycle Governorship election. Among the activities listed for the election is the conduct of primaries by political parties scheduled for 1st – 24th February 2024.
“By virtue of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are required to give the Commission at least 21 days notice before the date fixed for the conduct of their primaries. The last date for such notification lapsed on 4th February 2024.
“Sixteen (16) political parties have notified the Commission of their intention to participate in the election as well as their preferred modes and dates of primaries.
“As the Commission is set to deploy its monitoring teams, political parties are hereby reminded that Edo State is the Constituency for the election. Therefore, primaries must take place within the State in line with Sections 84(4) and 5(b) of the Electoral Act 2022.
“Parties are urged to avoid unnecessary postponement, arbitrary changes of venues of their primaries, wholesale change of delegates’ list or the submission of names that did not emerge from valid primaries as candidates for the election.
“They should also avoid rancorous primaries that lead to the breakdown of law and order often as a result of non-adherence to the provision of their constitutions and guidelines. These are some of the issues that lead to a large number of pre-election litigations.
“The schedule (dates and modes) of primaries proposed by the political parties has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public information.”
…APC assures fair primaries
In a related development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Thursday assured the 12 Edo State governorship aspirants in the February 17 party primary of a level playing ground for the most eligible and accepted candidate to fly the party’s flag in the September state governorship election.
The party’s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Arugungu, made the commitment in Abuja while inaugurating the Edo State National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee and Screening Appeal Committee at the party headquarters in Abuja
The party chieftain urged members of the two committees to be meticulous in the discharge of their assignment and ensure the outcome of their assignment will be devoid of any litigation.
“We are going to provide a level playing ground for all our 12 aspirants. I implore you to be thorough in carrying out your assignment and follow the checklists to be sure that all the aspirants comply with the guidelines.
“As you proceed to engage with the task for which you have been nominated, please, be rest assured that we have made sure that the exercise will be hitch-free and seamless,” he said.
…Screening c’ttee assures
Assuring the party and the aspirants of carrying out their assignment in line with the guidelines, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Professor Taoheed Abdul Adedoja said his committee would not screen out any of the aspirants, but maintained that the guidelines would be adhered to strictly.
He said: “We will be guided majority by three documents in this assignment – the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the constitution of the party and the guidelines that have been handed over to aspirants in respect to their participation .
“I want to assure you that we will be fair, first and foremost in going through the guidelines in the process of our screening of these aspirants
“Our work is not to disqualify any aspirant but to allow all aspirants to clear themselves, and where there might be some problems, that’s why the appeal committee is also set up as part of the due process – fairness and justice process of this great party.”
The two-day screening exercise began shortly after the inauguration of the committee with former Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central in the upper chamber of the National Assembly and former deputy governor, Hon. Lucky Imasuen, taking their turns.
Other aspirants screened were members representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri, former APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Andrew Ize-Iyamu and Engr. Gideon Ikhine.
For Friday, February 9, the immediate past APC state chairman, Col. David Onabure Imuse, Major-General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor are to present themselves for screening between 10 – 12 pm.
While former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South), Blessing Agbohmere, member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe are slated to appear before the committee between 3 – 5pm.
