By Ayodele Oni
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) on Monday published the final list of candidates nominated by political parties to contest in the June 18th gubernatorial election in Ekiti state.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in a statement, explained that 16 candidates would contest at the polls. And out of the 16 names on the list, 14 are men while two are women.
INEC called on the political parties to adhere strictly to election laws, to ensure free and fair polls.
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.’
“Furthermore, the attention of parties is drawn to Section 32(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that failure to notify the Commission ‘shall not be ground to invalidate the election’
“The final list is published in our State and Local Government offices in Ekiti State as well as our 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.”
