The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained that out of the 64 political parties that conducted primaries in Bayelsa state as against 59 in Kogi State, only 52 political parties for Bayelsa state and 49 for Kogi state respectively submitted the list of candidates and their personal particulars at the close of nomination at 6pm on Monday September 9, 2019.
The commission said that out of the 101 nominees for the two states, 91 are male, representing 90%, while 10 are female, representing 10% of all the nominees.
It said six female candidates were among the 52 nominees for Bayelsa State, while 46 were males pointing out that the corresponding figures for Kogi state were four female and 45 male nominees.
According to the commission in a statement on Thursday by the chairman, Information and Voter Education Festus Okoye, the personal particulars of the nominees will be published on the notice boards of its offices in Yenagoa and Lokoja on Friday.
This the commission said was in accordance with the Electoral Act and in line with the timetable and schedule of activities.
The statement further said: “As required by law, the Commission monitored the primaries of the political parties and the list of aspirants who emerged has since been published on our website and other platforms.
“From our records, 64 political parties conducted primaries in Bayelsa State as against 59 in Kogi State. Out of these, 52 political parties for Bayelsa State and 49 for Kogi state respectively submitted the list of candidates and their personal particulars at the close of nomination at 6pm on Monday 9th September 2019.
“While some of the political parties that conducted primaries did not submit any list and personal particulars of candidates, a few failed to submit within the time limit prescribed by the Commission.
“Out of the 101 nominees for the two States, 91 are male, representing 90%, while 10 are female, representing 10% of all the nominees.
“Of the 52 nominees for Bayelsa State, six are female, while 46 are male. The corresponding figures for Kogi State are four female and 45 male nominees.
“The publication of the personal particulars of nominees is for members of the public to make any claims and objections regarding these candidates, as required by law.
“Similarly, the Commission has observed from a preliminary review of the list and personal particulars submitted by the political parties that some of the Governorship and Deputy-Governorship candidates are below the minimum age prescribed by the Constitution for these positions. The Commission will notify the concerned parties soon and subsequently consider further action.
“As we continue to prepare for the Bayelsa and Kogi Governorship elections scheduled for Saturday 16th November 2019, the Commission once more reminds the political parties of the timelines in the timetable and schedule of activities and requests strict compliance with them.
“We look forward to working with the parties and all stakeholders to make the forthcoming elections in the two States free, fair and credible.”
