INEC fixes dates for Ondo and Edo states governorship elections

By Sehubo Festus

INEC fixes dates for Ondo and Edo states governorship elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the dates for the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States. The Edo governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024, while the Ondo State governorship election will take place on November 16, 2024.

INEC clarified that these declarations are in accordance with the provisions of Section 178(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which specifies that elections for these positions should be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure.

Furthermore, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 mandates the Commission to publish a Notice for the Election no later than 360 days before the election date.

The commission also assured that it will provide comprehensive details about these elections, which will be accessible to the public through the INEC website and various social media platforms.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, it was clarified that the tenure of the governors of Edo and Ondo states will conclude on November 11, 2024, and February 23, 2025, respectively.

The statement further outlined the key dates for the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections, specifying that the latest date for the Edo State election is October 12, 2024, while the Ondo State election should be held by January 24, 2025.

The statement concluded by stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is exercising its constitutional and statutory authority by issuing the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for these governorship elections.