The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a significant step towards transparency and accountability by publishing the forms and particulars of political parties’ candidates for the upcoming Edo State governorship election on September 21.

The details of the candidates were made available for public viewing at the INEC office in Aduwawa, Benin, as well as in all 18 local government offices across the state. This move, in accordance with electoral laws, allows both political parties and the general public to access information about the candidates and their running mates.

Timidi Wariowei, the State INEC Head of Voters Education and Publicity, emphasized the importance of this process, stating that it aligns with electoral regulations. He encouraged parties and citizens to visit the local government offices to review the list of candidates and their credentials.

In a letter dated March 27, 2024, Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, instructed the Edo INEC to display the particulars of the candidates following the conclusion of party primaries. Seventeen political parties submitted their candidates’ nomination forms by the deadline, and their personal details were published on March 30, 2024, as mandated by the Electoral Act 2022.

Olumekun urged Nigerians to carefully examine the documents and raised awareness about the provision for challenging false information provided by candidates in a Federal High Court, as outlined in the Electoral Act 2022.

This initiative by INEC underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process, ensuring that voters have access to relevant information before making informed decisions at the polls.