The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Friday announced that it would open its portal for political parties to upload personal particulars and names of nominated candidates contesting Edo state governorship election on Monday, March 4, 2024.
The commission also announced that it gave political parties a 20-day grace, saying political parties should ensure strict compliance with the timelines as there would be no extension.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement issued Friday said the portal would open on Monday 4th March 2024 by 9:00am and automatically shut down at 6.00pm on Sunday 24th March 2024.
He said the Access Code to the portal would be available for collection by the National Chairmen of political parties from today, March 1, 2024.
Olumekun noted that as provided by the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the forthcoming off-cycle Edo State Governorship election, the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties expired on 24th February, 2024.
He added that the next activity is the submission of nomination forms by political parties via the dedicated online portal.
Olumekun stressed: “The Commission has earmarked a period of 20 days for political parties to upload the Personal Particulars (Form EC9) and Names/List of Nominated candidates (Form EC9B) of their candidates to the portal which will open at 9.00am on Monday 4th March 2024 and automatically shut down at 6.00pm on Sunday 24th March 2024.
“Access Code to the portal will be available for collection by the National Chairmen of political parties from today.”
Olumekun said to help political parties to ensure seamless nominations, the Commission would once again organise refresher training for two Liason Officers per party.
He noted that the training commences on Friday 1st March 2024 and ends on Monday 4th March 2024 at the Media Centre of the commission in Abuja.
Olumekun stressed that the Media Centre would also serve as the Help Desk during the period of nomination of candidates in case any political party needs assistance.
“The Commission wishes to draw the attention of Political parties that 20 days are enough to upload the nomination forms of only two candidates per party (Governorship candidate and running mate). Therefore, there is no reason to request for extention of time and none will be granted beyond Sunday 24th March 2024,” he said.