The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has approved the final list of candidates for the three off-cycle Governorship elections scheduled to hold in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States on Saturday, November 11.

This was as the commission condemned the reported altercation between the convoys of the Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello and the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP, Yakubu Muritala in Lokoja.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Barr. Festus Okoye disclosed this in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja.

Among those on the list are the incumbent governor of Imo State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, Hope Uzodinma; the incumbent governor of Bayelsa state and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Douye Diri; the candidate of the APC in the state, Timipre Sylva; APC candidate in Kogi state, Ododo Ahmed Usman; candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Leke Abejide and the Peoples Democratic Party PDP candidate, Dino Melaye.

According to Okoye, the list was approved at INEC’s regular meeting held on Tuesday 6^th June 2023.

He said; “The decision is in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires the publication of the list not later than 150 days to election day i.e. Friday 9^th June 2023 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 8^th June 2023 ahead of the statutory deadline of 9^th June 2023.

“The list shows that all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi State, 17 in Imo State and 16 in Bayelsa State. The list also shows that two political parties are fielding female candidates in Bayelsa State, one in Kogi State and none in Imo State.

“The Commission wishes to remind political parties and candidates that in line with the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the three elections, a campaign in public officially commences on Wednesday 14^th June 2023 in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on 9^th November 2023 i.e. 24 hours prior to election day.

“Regrettably, the ugly incident last week involving the convoys of two political actors in Kogi State resulting in the destruction of vehicles and other properties ahead of the commencement of the campaign is worrisome.

“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 elections”. (Vanguard)

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