INEC releases final list of candidates for Ekiti governorship election

By Seth Akande

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday released the final list of candidates to participate in the coming Ekiti governorship elections slated for June 18.

In a statement by the INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, he said the move was in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, following the close of nominations by political parties.

With sixteen political parties presenting their candidates, fourteen are male while two are female with the deputy governorship position including seven female candidates as well as nine male candidates vying for these positions.

The statement read, “On Wednesday 16th February 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the personal particulars and list of candidates (Form EC9) for the Ekiti 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.”