The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 14 political parties to contest the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 8, excluding the major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP). The commission announced that only parties which successfully completed their primaries and uploaded their candidates’ credentials within the prescribed timeframe met the eligibility requirements.
In a statement issued by the state Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, INEC confirmed that the compliance deadline for submitting the names and particulars of governorship candidates and their running mates has closed. “INEC hereby notifies political parties and the general public that, following the conclusion of political party primaries and the close of the period for uploading the names and particulars of candidates and their running mates, 14 political parties successfully complied with the Commission’s requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” the statement read.
The cleared parties include Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The failure of the PDP and LP to upload their candidates’ documents within the official window rendered them ineligible for the contest.
As part of mandatory pre-election procedures, INEC has published the personal particulars of the cleared candidates and their deputies on Form EC9, in accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and its published timetable. Copies of these documents will be physically displayed at the INEC State Office, all 30 Local Government Area offices, and the Osun Area Office from Monday, February 16. The commission urges all political parties, candidates, and members of the public to inspect these records as provided by law.
Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Mutiu Agboke, referenced in the statement, reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to conducting a transparent and professional election. He called for continued cooperation from political actors and the electorate to ensure the smooth discharge of INEC’s constitutional duties.
The release of the final list of candidates marks a critical milestone in the electoral calendar, setting the stage for campaigns and activities ahead of the gubernatorial poll in Osun, a southwestern state considered politically significant. The commission’s adherence to its published timetable underscores its procedural framework aimed at fostering credibility in the electoral process.
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