INEC releases final candidates’ list for Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi guber poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the Nov. 11 governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.

Those listed for the Bayelsa poll included Gov. Diri Duoye (PDP), Chief Sylva Timipre (APC), Mr. Eradiri Udengmobofa (LP), Mr. Osuluku Binalatefa (SDP), and Mrs. Ogege Mercy (APP).

The candidates for Kogi were Mr. Leke Abejide (ADC), Mr. Dino Melaye (PDP), Malam Ahmed Ododo (APC), and Mrs. Suleiman Fati (ZLP).

Those listed for the Imo poll included Gov. Hope Uzodinmma (APC), Mr. Ayanwu Samuel (PDP), Mr. Odunzeh Ben (NNPP), and Mr. Achony Nneji (LP).

Mr. Festus Okoye, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said in a statement in Abuja that the list was approved by the commission at its regular meeting on Tuesday.

Okoye said that the decision was in line with the provisions of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

He said that the section required the publication of the list not later than 150 days before election day, i.e., Friday, June 9, following the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“The final list has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

“The same will be published in our state and local government offices in the affected states on Thursday, June 8, ahead of the statutory deadline of June 9,“ Okoye said.

The list showed that all 18 political parties fielded candidates for the Kogi poll, while 17 parties fielded candidates for Imo and 16 parties for Bayelsa.

The list also showed that two political parties fielded female candidates for the Bayelsa poll, while only one party fielded a female candidate for the Kogi poll.

Okoye reminded political parties and their candidates that, in line with the timetable and schedule of activities for the election, campaigning in public would officially commence on Wednesday, June 14, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and end on Nov. 9, i.e., 24 hours prior to election day.

“We urge parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum, as peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election.

“Political parties and candidates have a responsibility to de-escalate tension ahead of the election,” Okoye said.