Ekiti 2023: INEC releases final list of candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday released the final list of candidates of the various political parties for the Ekiti governorship election, which will be holding on June 18.

The list includes 16 governorship candidates vying for the position.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in a statement on Monday indicated that the list is being released in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, as well as the close of nomination of candidates by political parties.

The statement reads: “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.”

Okoye in the statement  drew  the attention of parties to Section 32(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that failure to notify the Commission “shall not be grounds to invalidate the election.”

The statement also indicated that the final list is published in INEC State and Local Government offices in Ekiti State as well as their 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,” Okoye said.

The full list reads: