March 14, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, cleared 16 political parties to contest the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 18, 2022.
The Commission in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Barr Festus Okoye, said the released list is in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.
It, however, reminded the 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.”
It further warned political parties that the failure to observe Section 32(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, in notifying the Commission “shall not be ground to invalidate the election.”
According to the Commission, Olabisi Kolawole has been cleared as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Kolapo Olugbenga Kolade as his Deputy, while Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji got the Commission’s nod as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with Afuye Monisade as his running mate.
The statement reads in part: “On Wednesday, February 16, 2022, 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.
“The final list is published in our State and Local Government offices in Ekiti State, as well as our website and social media platforms for public information as required by law. Political parties are enjoined to note the provision of the law for compliance.”
